"...of all the Aspirants, may the best man win. We will not choose your leaders for you; you will choose your leaders. But I want you to give us credible and reliable leaders."
Those were the words of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji - Bello, mni, when she interacted with the members of the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) and aspirants in the coming Lagos State University Students' Union (LASUSU) general elections, at her office on Tuesday, 31st January 2023.
The Vice Chancellor's remark crowned a long and exhaustive interactive session between the students and members of the University Management facilitated by her to ensure a free, credible and peaceful students' elections, earlier scheduled to commence on Thursday, 2nd February 2023.
Having granted most of the requests of the stakeholders, amongst which was the extension of date of the elections, to allow for better preparation and mobilization of students for the elections, the Vice Chancellor made her points very clear to the effect that the elections must be peaceful. Her words, "I have given you your request. We have done our part. I am now challenging you to deliver. Your elections must be peaceful; it must be successful. I am not interested in who you choose. But my interest is that your elections must be credible and free. For all the aspirants, may the best candidates win."
She went on to announce to cheers from the stakeholders that the approval of the University Senate will be sought to extend the session by one week to accommodate a one week shift in the schedule of the elections, which will now commence on Monday, 6th and end on Thursday, 9th February 2023, while examination will commence on Monday, 13th February 2023.
Earlier, the Dean, Students' Affairs Division, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko had revealed that the meeting was held at the behest of the Vice Chancellor to iron out all grey areas that might affect the peaceful conduct of the elections. He assured that the University would give them all the needed support to ensure success of the exercise.
The Chairman, IEC, Aina Oluwafemi Ayobami, the Secretary, Oresanya Zachariah, and the Public Relations Officer, Anisere Peters, appreciated the Vice Chancellor and entire University Management for their leadership and support for the students in the buildup to the elections.
Members of University Management, Directors, Officials of the Vice Chancello's Office and Students' Affairs Division were at the meeting.
