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For struggle, Solidarity and Socialism in Nigeria

Committee for a Workers' International

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Socialist Democracy March 2004

Students' union is an organ to protect and promote the interest of the students. But the authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin University led by the Vice chancellor, Prof. Funso Akere, still do not see why the students should have a platform representing their interests.

Since the authorities of the University dissolved the Students' Union, during the era of the former inglorious governor of Ondo State Chief Adebayo Adefarati, following the students' agitations for improved library facilities, adequate and spacious classrooms, adequate staff offices and proper funding of the University, Prof. Funso Akere led administration, despite all consultation, still does not see reason why the Students' Union must be revitalised. The reason is not far fetched. The authorities of the University believe in authoritarianism because of their anti-poor policies of commercialisation of education.

On the 4th November, 2003, at the Students' Congress, the Vice-chancellor voluntarily said "Go, agree among yourselves and fix your election date, even if you want it tomorrow, I will give you the go ahead". Equally, at a well attended management organised congress of 13th November, 2003 chaired by the Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Daramola, the Dean re-echoed the words of the Vice-Chancellor with an addition that students should agree among themselves and forward the date and modalities for the elections, which the students did. But instead of being men of their words, the authorities made a swift U-turn, a reminiscence of the military evil days, bringing in more than 100 mobile policemen into the campus on the 16th November 2003.

Instead of a popular and democratic Students' Union election, what was imposed on the students as their representatives was undemocratic and unpopular committee comprising class governors and faculty presidents.

The students of Adekunle Ajasin University have totally rejected this committee and are calling for democratically elected Students' Union leaders.

Socialist Democracy March 2004