In this interview with UCJUI Correspondents, Oloye Aweda Bolaji, one of the Presidential aspirants discusses his plans for the union.
Can we meet you?
I am Aweda Bolaji, Popularly known as Olóyè, a student of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and a resident of Lord Tedder Hall. I’m vying for the post of president of the Students Union, University of Ibadan.
As a presidential aspirant, can you elaborate on what differences you bring compared to other contestants?
As an aspirant, I bring a different approach to leadership to the table, a new vision backed up by wealth of experience. My experience in leading organizations like TLDS and managing people will help to lead the Students Union better than other contestants.
Some would argue that you have had very little experience with the Students’ Union body, do you think this makes you less capable in the eyes of UItes compared to your opponents?
No, I do not think it makes me less capable. The current president and vice president of the union are testament to prove that the assertion is very wrong.
I currently lead the second biggest organization on campus after the union and have worked closely with different administrations that have led the union, so the experience is there.
Moving on, if elected, what do you intend to do differently as the President of the Students Union seeing as your campaign tagline is ‘ElevatingTheStandard’
Like the tagline and my theme (Amelioration) implies, what I would do differently is to work hand in hand with students of the University of ibadan. We will work on having an inclusive union where everything that affects us is improved upon (transportation, security, academic welfare, social lifestyle among other things).
Given the sensitive nature of the Students’ Union body at the university of Ibadan, how do you intend to walk the thin line between management and student demands?
Well, that is where diplomacy and open communication come to play. The plan is to have an inclusive union where everyone is involved. To have the whole students of the University of ibadan and the stakeholders of the university in all of our decision-making process so they are aware that it is the decision of the whole students and not just the union executives. Also, by fostering constructive dialogue between all stakeholders, including university management and the general student populace, we can find common ground on every issue and work towards solutions that benefit everyone.
But more often than not, when this dialogue does not yield a positive outcome, students tend to accuse the union leaders of being puppets to the management. What do you have to say about this?
I believe what causes this is the communication gap. The people do not really know what the Union has done or not. With a more inclusive union and open communication with the general students’ union members, they will be 100% part of the process and will understand better.
As a UIte, can you rate the current (SU) administration?
I think they have done really well on a lot of things. Raised the bar on things like the bursary, food bank, union week, and purchase of a new bus, among others. So I’d say they have done well.
On a scale of 1-10? 7
Before we conclude, If you were to get into the Kunle Adepeju building, list two things that you are sure UItes would get in the first 50 to 100 days in office?
1. Reconciliation of all aggrieved bodies in the union and efforts towards total inclusiveness of all students.
2. Consultations and serious efforts to achieve all the things in our manifesto.
Which bodies are deemed aggrieved in the Union?
Looking at the current state of things, I do not think all associations are 100% on the same page with the union. I can’t exactly mention names because they might just be guesses or rumors, but all will be followed up on.
What are your final parting words?
It’s examination season. I wish uites the best in their examinations. Also, I urge them to take part in the electioneering process. It’s very important. We are intellectuals and we should show that in the process.
