On Friday, 21st of February, the Student Union Electoral Commission, University of Ibadan, organised the Student Union Manifesto Night in advance of Saturday’s elections.
The event was held at the New Faculty Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Science, with many dignitaries in attendance, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale. It started at 5 pm and was moderated by Deputy Registrar, Mrs Adejoke Akinpelu.
The Vice-Chancellor delivered the opening address, enjoining UItes to exercise their rights and vote for candidates of their choice as well as expounding on the need for dialogue in leadership. The Master of Ceremonies, Mrs Akinpelu would then address the aspirants and set a five-minute limit for the reading of manifestos.
PRO Aspirant, Oluwaseyi Agboola was the first to present, outlining plans including a website for the Union to include academic resources and union updates, as well as a marketplace for studentpreneurs. His opponent, Adekanmbi Ezekiel countered with promises to organise workshops for on-campus PROs and those interested in the field, as well as institute a monthly open forum for UItes on X (formerly Twitter), while hailed by the just-arriving Great Independence Hall contingent. As the CLA student bowed out, Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall chants filled the air, with their newly arrived delegation also setting the tone for Adeboye Temidayo’s arrival on stage. The House Secretary aspirant worked the crowd before outlining a three-pillar mission to promote health, ensure safety on campus and strengthen student support systems. Adeyemi Oluwaseun, another House Secretary candidate followed, notably seeking to arrest the bedbug infestation.
Bioku Joshua, running unopposed for the post of Treasurer, would be the sole candidate to appear in a suit, others opting for traditional attire. Sports Secretary aspirant, Victor Kolawole would buck the trend as well, opting to style himself in a tracksuit in reference to his potential post.
Olawuyi Emmanuel, late to the Manifesto Night as Victor Kolawole was, would present next his manifesto for the post of Assistant General Secretary. The sole candidate for General Secretary, Olowu Victor would follow, hailed by Zikites as he stressed a need to upgrade the Union’s Secretariat among other plans.
The climax of the event would follow shortly with the Vice-President aspirants taking to the stage to much fanfare. Owadayo Olabisi going first will expound on plans including institution of a UI’SU e-library, preparation of final-year students for the transition to the workforce and establishment of an anonymous complaints desk. Ajao Mariam, her opponent would counter with a four-point agenda highlighting student welfare, expansion of the SU week, career development and health initiatives. With the Hall getting increasingly rowdy towards the end of Ajao’s presentation, Electoral Officers were forced to intervene in a standoff between Zik and Indy supporters, forcing their clear separation to the left and right wings of the hall respectively. Olaniyan Dolapo, chairman of the SUECUI Logistics Committee would address the crowd before the final presentations for the day, commending the Electoral Committee and enjoining students present to participate in the upcoming Student Union week.
Odedele Covenant was the first of the Presidential aspirants to mount the stage. Launching into improvised gyration after a lengthy citation reading, he would galvanise the crowd before presenting a Manifesto including points on supporting students with free meal vouchers during exams, introduction of sign language interpretation during Union events and solving the problem of short-staffing at the University Health Centre by recommending the recruitment of Youth Corpers to act as stop-gaps.Oluwole Ayomide’s Altruistic Agenda on the other hand focused on a number of subjects including inclusion for the historically sidelined Alexander Brown Hall and PG Halls, Introduction of a Sponsor a Student Scheme to alleviate the financial burden on indigent students, and renovation of parts of the Student Union Building including the Students’ Representative Council Chambers.
The event ended with closing remarks by Mrs Halima Adeoye, head of the SUECUI.