By: Press Council
The Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, has emphasized that the institution’s Student Union should not be addressed as a “Student Union Government, (SUG) rather the Students’ Union Executives (SUE)” noting that there cannot be two governments within the Polytechnic system. He made this clarification during the inauguration of the new Students’ Union Executives held on Friday, October 31, 2025.
The inauguration of the newly elected Students’ Union Executives and the Students’ Representative Council was held at the North Campus Assembly Hall, where the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, addressed the gathering. In his speech, he explained the removal of the word “Government” from the Union’s title, emphasizing that the management remains the supreme governing authority of the institution.
“There cannot be two governments in one institution. The management is the king of the Polytechnic,” he stated.
The Acting Rector urged the newly inaugurated executives to discharge their duties with integrity and fairness, ensuring that personal interests do not override the collective welfare of the student body. He further charged them to uphold and defend the constitution of the Union and to remain true representatives of the students who elected them.
“Will you defend the students who appointed you and not intimidate your fellow students?” he asked pointedly.
Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi,the Acting Rector also commended the efforts of the Student Union Electoral Committee, the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Makinde, and other members of the management team for their dedication and wisdom throughout the electoral process.
Highlighting the significance of students’ unionism, the Acting Rector described it as a vital link between the student populace and the institution’s authority a platform to express and address students’ academic and welfare concerns.
He, however, cautioned that the Union should not transform into a “violent pressure group” or act as an “alternative authority” to the management.
“On our part, we will always welcome good ideas, as we do not claim to have a monopoly of wisdom. It is, therefore, better to deliberate, negotiate, and resolve issues through roundtable discussions,” he added.
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