From Association Of Campus Journalists, OAU
31/8/2016
PRESS STATEMENT:
MATTERS ARISING FROM STATE OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY.
At some point ,not reacting and speaking becomes an offence because when necessity is ignored, becomes inevitable.
It is with great mind that Association of Campus Journalists OAU salutes the intellectualism of all Great Ife Students especially at a time that all is thought to be going through some change on campus, however as we bask in the euphoria of great expectations, it is important to note that sometimes happiness leads to unforeseen injuries and too much resourcefulness can lead to resource caused chaos.
ON THE RECENT CULTISM ALARM
One of the great feature of OAU is the serene environment we have found ourselves and the fact that everyone on campus to a very great extent feels safe and free, however whatever will jeopardize the safe environment of OAU is largely unwelcomed, lets be reminded of the sacrifice of George Iwilade and the Students that died in the 1999 massacre.
At ACJOAU, asserting the strength of the pen fearlessly is our mandate and that has led us to unravelling the issues behind allegations of cultism on OAU Campus, at a time like this if we refuse to speak, the voice of the masses wouldnt forgive us, although investigation is still ongoing but based on investigations we want students to be vigilant and security conscious however we should not be scared as our security is still guaranteed but acts of oppression needs to be checked.
The Association made efforts to meet with the student(name withheld) who was allegedly attacked by cult like students who are fresh men, however, he said
"I was not attacked by cultists or cult like students, it was only a misunderstanding between us, I was riding my bicycle when I mistakenly stepped on one of those guys and his colleague slapped me due to this, it looked like they were not in good mood or have arrogant approach to issues, however we have met after then and we have settled it all, it wasnt a cult attack, it was a normal occurrence".
The Association went further to interview the Chief Security officer of Awolowo hall who was said to have handled cases involving threat to life, the Awo CSO denied handling anything of such and said it is mere fictional statement. However,until we conclude investigations, it is important to say living in peace is a part of OAU and nothing should be allowed to jeopardize that. All acts that may hinder peace on campus including oppression and bullying should not be tolerated , this acts should be frowned against as little drops makes a mountain, we also want to allay fears of the cultism at the moment, the secuity of OAU campus is our collective task and we shouldn't shy away.
ON THE RECENT NASU OUTCRY
We feel it important to express concerns toward the recent NASU protest, while we are just finding our feet into a new session, we plead with all stakeholders to ensure that all issues that led to the protest is resolved.
We also seek that the Acting VC curbs all loopholes that may be in the financial system of the University, first class information available to us shows that the University is experiencing financial difficulties not basically because of lack of fund but issues bordering on the past, it is very important that bold steps be taken to ensure that the past is reconciled with the present to restore sanity into the system
CONDITIONS OF ELECTRICITY AND WATER
While the efforts of the University management towards renovating some hostels maybe commendable, the recent absence of water and rationing of electricity in hostels calls for concern, we may want to agree that technical faults may occur but when unavailability gets often, the techinicality of the.faults may become a technical question itself, while the Vice Chancellor promised massive improvements, issues like this may make mockery of efforts as absence of water for a day is not only injurious to the body but also to the quality of lectures , we call on the University management to ensure that issues that surrounds this be resolved, while the peaceful nature of the University Students is progressive for the resolve to bring back OAU to the great stage, the University should reciprocate the newly found peace with more efforts on welfare improvement which needs attention at the moment.
NON PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY STUDENTS.
With the current situation of economy in the country, things are very hard and concessions need be made by all and sundry to fight the recession. It is alarming that thousands of Students are yet to pay and the deadline for payment ends within hours, we feel that having conducted investigations, the University authority needs to reconsider her stance on payment deadline, we wouldn't know if it is very okay to have some students at home, due to inability to pay tuition fees, an extension of payment deadline will give an opportunity to those who have not paid to make efforts to do so, you will agree with us that prices of things have skyrocketed and money is the scarcest item, at times like this we have to bh ensure that we consider the fact that Youths and leaders should not drop out, as University authorities and parents of Students by the virtue of offices occupied, we shouldn't watch one child or children stray away when we can help out , installmental payment shouldn't be something parochial but rather open to all with payment difficulties.
STATE OAU STUDENTS UNION
Although events are still unfolding but efforts are been made to resume activities of the union and from feelers, the University management is looking at an independent student union, however as things unfold, we would update the University as it is our task to report issues, don't forget that information is power. At ACJOAU, We would continue to assert strength of the pen fearlessly and without bias to the progress of the society.
Signed:
Olanrewaju Oyedeji President ,ACJOAU.
Adebayo Faith
General Secretary, ACJOAU
Abegunde Cephas
Public Relations Officer, ACJOAU
©ACJOAU
