By Abubakar Imam
The Kwara State Council of the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) has inaugurated the University of Ilorin Chapter of the Union.
Conducting the inauguration last Wednesday (July 9, 2025) at the Conference Room of the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Union, Mr Usman Oke, commended the management of the University for recognising the importance of organised labour.
He explained that RATTAWU does not exist for agitation for better welfare packages for members alone, saying that the Union is also interested in advancing professionalism.
Mr Oke, who was accompanied by other members of the Executive Committee of the Kwara State RATTAWU, expressed conviction that the UNILORIN Chapter of the Union would emerge to be a shining star among its peers.
The trade unionist, thereafter, administered the oath of office on the members of the Executive Council of the new Chapter under the leadership of Mr Abdulkadir Yinka Saliu (Magaji Nda).
Other members of the UNILORIN RATTAWU executives sworn-in were Miss Oluyemisi Olayemi, Vice Chairman; Mrs Jelilat Adedimeji, Treasurer; and Mr Kazeem Rufai-Ahmed.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Saliu thanked the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for encouraging responsible trade unionism in the University.
Mr Saliu assured the University management that the UNILORIN RATTAWU would promote friendship and professionalism for the betterment of its members and the University as an institution.
In his remarks, the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, welcomed the establishment and subsequent inauguration of the UNILORIN Chapter of RATTAWU, saying that the new union should encourage its members to embrace professionalism and greater service delivery.
Mr Akogun described the University of Ilorin as a hotbed of progressive and meaningful unionism, saying that the situation has been impacting positively on the institution’s public image and service delivery.
While pointing out that membership of any professional organisation is voluntary, Mr Akogun warned members against simultaneous membership of two unions in the same trade group.
He said that though the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and RATTAWU are siblings, Mr Akogun declared that no one can simultaneously belong to the two.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the General Manager of UNILORIN 89.3 FM, Mr Idris Akintola Ibrahim (Alooma); the Chairmen of the University of Ilorin chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr Alex Akanmu, Mr Naheem Falowo, Mr Ibrahim Suberu, Mr Awolola and Mr Tijani Adewoyin, who was represented by Mr Abdulkadir Abubakar, respectively.
