By: Press Council
The Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, organized a one-day leadership seminar for the newly elected Students’ Union Executives and members of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). The event, held at the institution’s Assembly Hall, was designed to equip the student leaders with the skills, knowledge, and ethical principles required to excel in their respective offices.
The seminar, which commenced at 12:20 p.m., was anchored by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Soladoye.
Delivering the welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. J. A. Makinde, congratulated the newly elected executives on their victory and commended the management and electoral committee for ensuring a smooth election process.
“The election did not produce winners or losers,” Mr. J. A. Makinde said. “You are all winners because leadership is about service, not competition. I urge you to remain humble and avoid using your positions to suppress others. It is by the favor of God that you have been chosen to serve.”
He further encouraged the student leaders to pay close attention during the seminar and make the best use of the knowledge shared.
The opening remarks by the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. T. A. Lasisi, represented by Dr. Bolanle Ozeni, congratulated the new executives and advised them to embrace collaborative leadership.
“No one is as smart as all of us,” Dr. Lasisi said. “Work together, maintain peace on campus, and avoid any action that could disrupt the institution’s harmony.”
The first lecture was delivered by Dr. Oluseye Oyewo, Head of the Department of Public Administration, on the topic “Leading Student Organizations.”
Dr. Oyewo congratulated the new leaders and explained the three essential tools for effective administration: consultation, consolidation, and confrontation.
He emphasized the importance of constant communication with management and the Dean of Student Affairs, advising the Students’ Union President to always remember that he represents the voices of over 3,000 students.
“There will be challenges,” he said. “But these can only be managed through consultation and engagement with stakeholders. Confrontation should not mean chaos or destruction. Leadership is beyond locking gates or damaging school property.”
The second lecture, “Transparency and Accountability on Students’ Union Funds,” was presented by Mrs. F. J. Alakunle, Director of Internal Audit.
She described the Audit Department as the “watchdog” of the Students’ Union on financial matters.
“Transparency means openness and honesty, having no hidden agenda,” she said. “Accountability involves maintaining proper control over receipts and expenditures, ensuring that financial activities are lawful and traceable.”
The third lecture, “Rules Guiding Student Conduct, Offences, and Penalties,” was delivered by Barrister Akinsola Ige of the Registry Department.
He cited the Nigerian Constitution, The Polytechnic, Ibadan Law, and the institution’s Students’ Handbook as key sources governing student behavior.
He reminded the student leaders to operate within these legal and institutional frameworks and to use their positions responsibly.
“The Students’ Union Constitution should be your guide,” Barrister Ige stressed. “Be transparent with your executives and the Students’ Representative Council. Avoid confrontation and always choose what is right to prevent disciplinary actions such as rustication.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs, who announced that the official swearing-in ceremony for the new Students’ Union Executives will hold on Friday October 31, 2025.
She commended the participants for their attention and urged them to apply the lessons learned during the seminar.
The seminar ended on a positive note, with the student leaders expressing enthusiasm and readiness to serve the Polytechnic community with commitment and transparency.
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