We operate responsible trade unionism at UNILORIN – Egbewole
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has said that the institution operates the most responsible trade unionism in Nigeria, which solidifies its status as the preferred choice for stakeholders, including prospective students and their parents and guardians.
Prof. Egbewole, stated this last Thursday (January 18, 2024) while declaring open the Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) held at the University’s Main Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the focus of union leaders should be the welfare of their members and they should always encourage management to make it a top priority.
Prof. Egbewole explained that the acceptance of that fact has been the factor that ensured that all the unions operating at the University of Ilorin such as the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union(NASU), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and management of the University are on the same page.
The Vice Chancellor, who noted the importance of constructive collaboration between union leaders and management for the benefit of the University’s staff, pledged that his administration will continue to welcome constructive criticism for the benefit of all.
Prof. Egbewole, however, appealed to various union leaders who attended the meeting to continually guide their members towards responsible conduct within their respective institutions.
While also identifying students as a critical stakeholder in the University system, the UNILORIN Vice Chancellor urged all University staff to recognise students as crucial stakeholders and accord them the deserving respect.
Prof. Egbewole advocated responsible interaction with the students to foster an environment that instills pride in their alma mater, which in return would encourage the students to contribute positively to the growth and development of their respective universities.
In a related development, the National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Mohammed H. Ibrahim, has bestowed the title of honorary member on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.
The investiture ceremony of the Vice Chancellor took place during a courtesy visit by the SSANU President in his office.
Comrade Ibrahim expressed the Union’s admiration for Prof. Egbewole’s exemplary leadership styles and noteworthy contributions to the academic community.
Speaking further, the SSANU leader highlighted the University of Ilorin’s outstanding performance, citing consistent commendable reports received at the national secretariat of the Union about the University.
He emphasised that the institution, under the administration of Prof. Egbewole, has become a role model for other universities in Nigeria.
He added that the conferment of the honorary membership of SSANU on Prof. Egbewole is not only informed by his personal accomplishments but also confirmed the effectiveness of the collaborations between the University of Ilorin and SSANU.
Also speaking, the National Vice President, Western Zone of SSANU, Comrade Abdsobbur O. Salaam, commended the University of Ilorin for its exceptional commitment to excellence in both words and actions.
He explained that the University has proven to be better by far, as he noted that there is no cause for alarm or discord between the authorities of the University and SSANU.
In his own comment, the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, who is also a former National Treasurer of SSANU, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, lauded the Vice Chancellor of the University for always being proactive and for extending love to all unions on the campus.
Mr Alfanla reiterated his admiration for the Vice Chancellor’s unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of both staff and students of the University.
According to the Registrar, Prof. Egbewole has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges faced by the University community and has taken significant steps to address them.
Mr Alfanla pointed out that the reduction of school charges by 25% for children of staff members was a decision targeted at cushioning the effects of the current economic climate on them.
He added that the gesture reflected the Vice Chancellor’s sensitivity to the financial well-being of the University’s workforce.
The Registrar also commended Prof. Egbewole for his collaborative leadership styles, stating that the Vice Chancellor consistently fosters unity and understanding among Principal Officers of the University.
Mr Alfanla said that Prof. Egbewole has never taken any decision without seeking the opinions of all Principal Officers of the University, thereby enhancing the overall management of University activities.
Joining the Vice Chancellor to receive the SSANU President and members of his entourage were a Deputy Bursar, Mr Abdulrasheed Atanda Ahmed,who stood in for the Ag. Bursar, Mr Oba Abdulbarki; and the Chairman of the University of Ilorin Chapter of SSANU, Comrade Naheem Falowo, among others.