ABUAD Student-Staff Congress Reinforces Commitment to Welfare and Excellence

The second semester 2024/2025 Student-Staff Congress was held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Spearheaded by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, the event underscored the university’s dedication to student welfare and academic excellence.

The congress unfolded in three phases, accommodating students from all colleges, including: Engineering and Sciences; Social and Management Sciences and Law; and Medical and Health Sciences and Pharmacy. This structured approach facilitated comprehensive and meaningful engagement across the university community.

Prof. Olarinde described the forum as a “family meeting,” emphasizing open communication between management and students. She encouraged students to use existing communication channels, including strategically placed complaint boxes and direct lines to university officials, to voice their concerns.

“We are here to give information and receive the same — to feel the pulse, plight, and pangs of our beloved students. This is an all-important meeting where your welfare takes centre stage, and I take full responsibility, so feel free to express yourselves,” she affirmed.

Students expressed appreciation for the platform while highlighting areas needing improvement, such as hostel conditions, campus transportation, cafeteria services, and internet connectivity. Suggestions included adjusting hostel check-out times and curfew policies to better align with academic schedules.

“We’d be glad to have the check-out time adjusted from 8:30 a.m., as some of us don’t have class until 10:00 a.m. Yet we’re asked to leave the hostel early or risk being locked-in”.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, commended students for their constructive feedback and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment. He assured that, under the visionary leadership of Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, necessary measures would be taken to address the concerns raised.

The Student Representative Council (SRC), led by Mr. Amao Boluwatife, was recognized for its active role in student advocacy. Boluwatife reported that the SRC had conducted assessments of the Independent Power Plant (IPP) and the University Water Plant, noting that power infrastructure upgrades had reached 90% completion, with full restoration imminent. He also acknowledged the university’s efforts to resolve water supply issues, expected to be concluded by the end of May.

Addressing service delivery concerns, the University Bursar, Pastor Joseph Modupe Babalola, cited the dismissal of a shuttle driver found guilty of misconduct, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for service lapses. He encouraged students to report any similar issues for prompt action.

The congress, led by the Vice-Chancellor, was attended by top management, faculty members, lecturers, staff, and students, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Christopher Aina, Registrar Lady Christy Oluborode, University Librarian Dr. Roselyn Subair, the Bursar, Provosts of each college, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Director of GST, and many other leading academic and non-teaching staff.

This inaugural phased, college-by-college dialogue— another innovation introduced by the Vice-Chancellor— marks a significant step in ABUAD’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity, transparency, and continuous improvement within its academic community.