STUDENTS’ UNION HOLDS CONGRESS OVER TRANSPORT CRISIS, CONSTITUTES NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE

STUDENTS’ UNION HOLDS CONGRESS OVER TRANSPORT CRISIS, CONSTITUTES NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE

‎By Grace Olaniyi

Students’ Union Congress was convened at Fajuyi cafe to deliberate on the ongoing transportation challenges affecting students, following a 72-hour boycott initiated after the observatory week. The congress focused on determining the next line of action should management fail to meet the union’s demands.
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‎Opening discussions, Congressman Natty, from the faculty of Administration, emphasized that the union has consistently taken a firm stance on transportation and questioned if there is no response from management, what will be the way forward, the president noted that if demands remain unmet, another congress may be convened to reassess the situation.
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‎Some members expressed dissatisfaction with repeated calls for suggestions, arguing that enough contributions had already been made and that decisive action was now necessary. Others, including Congressman Romeo, a representative from the Faculty of Law, commended faculty leadership for collaborating with the union and urged unity in pursuing a collective resolution.
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‎A major proposal involved selecting representatives from each faculty to engage directly with management. This motion received support, with several congress members stressing that once a decision is agreed upon, all students should align with it.
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‎Faculty Representatives Nominated
‎During the congress, representatives were nominated and accepted across various faculties:
* ‎Faculty of Arts – Honourable Kizer
‎‎* Faculty of Pharmacy –  Congressman David
‎* Faculty of Technology – Congressman Akaani
‎* Faculty of Administration –  Congressman Natty
‎* Faculty of Law – Congressman Romeo
‎* Faculty of Social Sciences –  Congressman Ideal
‎* Faculty of Education – Congressman Victor

Others included Mandem( Science )Smile (Dentistry), Joelens (EDM), Samuel Adeoye(Computing Science), Erinfolami( Admin self-nominated), Pyaar( Education )Lakunle (Basic Medical Sciences), and Big Virg (Clinical Sciences), Oluwatomisola( Agric) among others.

‎Congressman Senator declined the position, while additional nominations were accepted to ensure broad representation.
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‎In the committee:
‎* Chairman: Mandem
‎* General Secretary: Erinfolami
‎* PRO: Jolens

‎Members emphasized that the committee should operate strategically, maintain strong internal communication, and engage directly with university authorities, particularly the Vice-Chancellor.
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‎Key Resolutions and Proposals
‎Several resolutions and suggestions emerged from the congress: Reintroduction of a hybrid academic system until sufficient transportation is provided
‎Proposal to organise a press conference if no resolution is reached between the union and management
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‎Recommendation that the committee engage management formally and avoid indirect communication channels
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‎Tensions and Additional Concerns
‎The Congress also addressed other issues affecting students. A directive was raised urging students to boycott the purchase of CHM practical manuals, though details surrounding this were not fully elaborated.
‎Tensions escalated during the Congress-related town hall meeting, which reportedly resulted in a breakout and physical altercation, highlighting the urgency and intensity of student concerns.
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‎The congress concluded with a motion for adjournment, seconded by Congressman Enoch, with expectations that further developments will follow based on the committee’s engagement with management.
‎Students now await the union’s next steps as pressure mounts on university authorities to address the transportation crisis.