Handover speech delivered by Hon. Lauretta Obakpolo.
H ANDOVER NOTE PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT ELECT BY HON. LAURETTA OBAKPOLO, OUTGOING PRESIDENT, 2015/2016 SAFE IMPACT TEAM, STUDENT’S UNION GOVERNMENT, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE ON THIS DAY, JULY 6TH 2017.
I, Hon. Lauretta Obakpolo, President Students’ Union Government, 2015/2016 SAFE IMPACT TEAM on behalf of the entire team uses this medium to congratulate you, and your newly elected team as you assume office today. History has been made, record set. No doubts the University of Benin students saw your leadership prowess and decided to confidently give you this golden opportunity. Indeed UNIBEN students are intellectuals.
First, let me begin by accepting responsibilities for all mistakes during our administration. Some may say ‘‘Lauretta killed the Aluta Spirit’’. I accept the mistakes of not confronting issues in the usual misconstrued ways rather took approaches that we believed would bring a revolution to student unionism if allow to stand.
Every union leader particularly the student union executive officer is seen as one who is an already made millionaire immediately you step into office. I can boldly state that this was not the case in my administration. We, as a team although felt cheated had no option for the sake of the union, to allow many salient truths go. The issue of finance was a major constraint in our administration. A passion to serve against all odds kept us going till the end. For a very long time it has not happened, but it happened in Lauretta led administration because we were said “YOU ARE NOT LOYAL”.
When we assumed office on the 25th of April 2016, the bursary and the school management told us clearly that the union vote has been exhausted and so the union had no funds to run with. This was a normal story every administration experiences and we saw it as an abnormality and decided to go a step further regardless of the fact that we knew it could cause us huge discomfort as we gave in to become sacrificial lambs solely for the vitality of the University of Benin Students’ Union Government. I will not recount our shortcomings or successes but will emphasize more on measures that we believe could be a launching pad for the revitalization of the Students’ Union Government. I won’t cast blames on those who redefined unionism in University of Benin to be a cheap and quick means of making money rather contribute my little quota in the restructuring of the union.
THE ISSUE OF UNION DUES AND UNION ACCOUNT
As at today, the union cannot categorically state that her account is been managed by the school or the union. An aberration. It is on clear record that the union do not have any account operational in any bank. We were made to initially believe that the union had account in First, Fidelity, Access, Unity, First City Monument, Wema banks etc. from thorough investigation; no viable Students’ Union account was in any of these banks. Now, one is left with the question of where do the union dues go to ? On this particular issue no university staffs was willing to release any information in terms of documents but we went to further to ask questions. The union dues of N500 for freshers and N300 for staylites usually paid in the N1650 and N1450 during accommodation booking by both category of students goes directly into the university’s account (which is now the Federal government single treasury otherwise called TSA). The bursar in one of our meetings made a statement that ever since he assumed office (four years ago), he has not seen the union dues. It therefore means that for these four years the union dues has not been touched rather added to the school’s income.
The next question is how then were they running the union? From enquiries made over five years / administrations ago, the school in her annual budget creates a vote of thirty five million naira yearly for students and their affairs. This amount is a budget please. From this estimated amount, DSTV subscriptions, SUG annual elections, Halls of residence elections, Red Cross, Man O’ war, student-based committee such as the Cult Renunciation , the SUG expenses- Executive and parliamentary and a host of other expenses were handled. From research also, in the2014/2015 administration, a total of fifty seven million naira was used making the 2016 budgeted amount already in red as at when we assumed office in April 2016. This will discovered was a recurring event every year. Let me quickly state for emphasis sake, that my led administration has brought an end to such as no bursar should tell this newly elected union there is no vote for the Students’ Union Government because we were told that the estimated amount for this year has been reserved for the incoming union. This was the major reason they gave us when we demanded for our budget and because we had no evidence to back up our claims, we had to leave the remainder in the vote for this new administration (although we are still expecting it as the school promised). This estimated budget is to the discretional powers of the management as before now when students’ union leaders agitate for their dues they are given huge amount of monies and the fight for financial independence experience a natural death. Then we were left with our student union dues. The major question I could not get an expressive answer to all through in office was the issue of the union dues that was not accounted for the past four years since the bursar said he do not have any idea of where the monies go to. Okay as a way to avoid digging into the past, we decided to go for a restructuring. I particularly took pain to go to other institutions to know how they operate their Students’ Union. Schools visited were both Federal and State Universities.
University of Ibadan: in this institution, the union operates basically from her union dues as neither the school management or the federal government set a special account/ budget for the union. The school management collects the dues as part of the school charges (popularly called school fees) and transfers it to the union account which is not part of the school’s account (TSA). All expenses done by the union comes from that separate union account but with the close supervision of the Dean of Students, President of the union and other approved signatories to the account. The school management may decide to support the union in projects or programmes that has a huge financial burden on the union’s account but will have an overall benefit on the school community.
On the other hand, the budget for each union official is approved/ratified, money disbursed depending on their constitutional requirements (No school uses the same approach of our great UNIBEN). Each office is then made to work within the assigned budget and at the end of the tenure, the school set up an audit committee to audit each officer.
This was same in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Delta State University, Abraka, University of Uyo, Uyo, Imo State University, Owerri, Rivers State University, River states and a host of others visited.
Note: information provided herein was obtained both from union leaders and principal officers of the Universities visited. I stand to be corrected.
University of Lagos: This institution has a unique style of operation although they (Students’ Union Government) have suffered some instability for some time now. In this university, students pay their dues directly into the students’ union account with the below account details:
ACCOUNT NAME: UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS STUDENTS’ UNION (ULSU)
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1019031036
BANK: UBA PLC.
Fresh students: N500 Returning Students: N300 only.
See attached document titled ‘‘UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS SCHEDULE OBLIGATORY CHARGES’’
The bursar representative we met during our fact finding tour stated with all sense of confidence that they as management do not interfere in the activities of the union not even in the lowest level except when called upon. Then a question came into my mind, ‘‘When will University of Benin Union get this financial freedom?
ANOMALIES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN STUDENTS’ UNION
The strength of any government lies in her economic and financial backbone. The Students’ Union Government in University of Benin has become a toothless bulldog because she has been devoid of her strength.
Below are some of these anomalies:
In the University of Benin Students’ union there is no bank or bank account that has the funds/dues of her members. I recall a funny experience while in office. The Dean of Students saw our agitation for a separate account and financial liberty of the union, joined us in the fight, and wrote to a bank but along the line, left the fight for reasons still unexplainable. If I could, I would have asked ‘what where you told about the account saga? The management based their arguments that we as students cannot be disciplined financially. This is an aberration to the intellectuals but on close consideration it is the TRUTH.
It is only those that book or apply for bed spaces that are conventional members of the union since the dues are paid through the accommodation platform. If I could ask again, those paid before, where are they? But if asked, who will answer.
Since the account does not exist, neither the President nor the Director of Finance is a signatory. Funny, yes very funny. And we say we are a government? To get money regardless of the amount, the Dean, Vice chancellor and bursar must use their different colours of pen to make all funny comments such as Bursar please advice, approved, kindly suspend or most often NOTED. This comments do not still define payments as Abuja I mean CBN may not release the money. Approvals could be stopped at any stage depending on their discretional powers and in some cases the Dean may humbly minute ‘‘ VC Sir, this programme is a laudable one but should be included in the UNIBEN International Cultural and Arts Festival’’ (an event yet to come).
The budget system in the University of Benin Students’ Union Government is an imaginary budget. From findings made on administrations before mine, the individual officers make individual requests from the management through the Dean of Students to get any financial help. Then at the end of the tenure they will be given an amount they call ‘‘budget approval’’ but I call it ‘‘take home’’. From research, a president was given N4million naira (one million naira for executive dinner and three million naira as budget approved for him I mean his take home. This was already in the advert of the said TSA). This is different from the approvals for programs and projects already approved and done. One will be moved to ask ‘‘how’’? Yes, it is very possible. Have a Dean that believes that union leaders contributes immensely to the peace on campus and so should be well rewarded for service rendered and not a Dean that sees union leaders as potential enemies to the school management and so should be starved to death’’ as we have no foresight or plans according to him.
Also, the budget system as it should be is supposed to outline programmes/ projects and administrative expenses of each union leader but the University of Benin do not practice that. During my tenure , all projects suggested were buried under the carpet of the Dean of Students all because it was seen that when students embark on such projects they use them as avenue to enrich their pockets. In some cases, the Dean refers our projects or ideas to the school management for any of the university committee to handle.
SUGGESTED WAY FORWARD
I spent most of my time in office gathering information so as to a lay a solid foundation in the rebirth of a true unionism our founding fathers gave to us. Information that could help set a pace for a better and progressive union. I believe in continuity as a strategic tool to good governance and so encourage you, Mr. President to use some of this information contained in contributing your quota to the Student Union Government.
Below are some of my suggestions as a guide;
That the union dues be removed from the accommodation platform to the school charges platform. This will ensure all students pay their dues to the union for smooth running of the affairs of the union. For this to be effective, place a demand on the school management to release the union funds and make it available in a separate account or create a separate account and make students pay directly into the account and use the receipts as a pre-requisite in any of the sessional registration and/or clearance. Both options have advantages and disadvantages and so should be treated carefully. The first option would be a very good option provided the union have a backup mechanism to ensure they get their monies. These back up mechanisms could include;
Take a census. Know the total number of full time undergraduate students that are constitutional members of the union. As at today, it is estimated to be 40,208 students across the 14 faculties. Know the number of freshers and staylites for the new session. The university will never release wilfully this information.
Get a functional union account in a reputable bank (although our Director of Finance had a dead Wema Bank Account for the Students’ Union). The university authorities might refute this step but if the entire union can work together and with one voice, then it is achievable. Signatories to the account should be as constitution demand.
Get a running estimated budget for the administration immediately you assume office. The parliament whose constitutional duty is to ratify the budget should do that quickly so as to revive the union and erase this norm that is affecting the union already negatively.
During the transfer of union dues from the accommodation platform to the school fees or charges, the union should be ready to stand her ground to resist any form of increment to the already existing charges. This is because such change could be an avenue to increase the present school charges. This was the case in Rivers State University few years ago.
NOTE: The issue of proposed school fee/charges increment will be discussed subsequently.
On this aspect, I believe as leaders of tomorrow, we should be trained to be financially responsible. I think it is time to make the union financially semi-independent again. Let the constitution stand.
Another issue my administration combatted with was PRICE CONTROL OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS WITHIN CAMPUS.
Price of sachet water and bread as University of Benin products: From what we gathered, we discovered that the University of Benin table water is not a complete establishment of the institution. This is say that many factors will contribute to the price of the finished product. Nevertheless, the most disturbing factor we observed was the DISTRIBUTION CHAIN between the site of production and the Ugbowo community. In one of our meetings, a resolution was suggested and approved that a depot system be used to truncate some of this distribution chain that has led to the increase in price. The depot system was that an outlet should be placed very close to the halls of residence (suggested area was within the building that house the Guidance and Counselling Unit beside hall 1 and hall 3). This first depot outlet was supposed to grow with time to bring about more depot systems within the school. With this system, the student can get water at factory price which is N130 naira per bag and 3 sachets for N20. A palliative measure was developed as a temporal depot outlet at Hall 2 (close to the relaxation centre) and students got water at the factory price. Bureaucracy as they call it, has delayed the setting to standard the approved site for the depot system.
For the bread, on several visits to the bread factory, it was observed that the factory uses quality ingredients and the final products were also of good quality. It was later discovered that most retailers do not sell just UNIBEN bread rather they get substandard bread from unknown manufacturers and exchange the labels. A check mechanism from the office of the director of welfare was put in place and could be strengthened for efficiency.
For the issue of price of the bread, the Nigeria economy really affected the raw materials and items. Nevertheless, it was maintained at the current N80 as against the suggested N100 regardless of economic turbulence.
Issue of shuttle and cab prices: Upon assumption of office, we met an already established agitation for increment by the shuttle and cab drivers. We went on a fact finding mission on the 15-17th of November 2016 (precisely OAU, UI and UNN). In these schools, the shuttle buses charge N50 per passenger and N150 for cab per drop. In University of Nigeria, UNN, Nsukka , the cab drivers charge N200 for four passengers as they do not do the drop system.
After our findings, our resolution was that the shuttle buses within the school should be increased from N20 to N30 naira and maintained the N100 naira per drop for cab with a maximum of three (3) students per drop since University of Benin had shorter distances within the school when compared with the schools visited.
The effectiveness of the policy requires all hands on deck and more so a forceful monitoring team.
Other commodities on campus were increased because of the economic crisis rocking the nation. A monitoring team was and should help maintain or regulate quality and price of these products
ISSUE OF PROPOSED SCHOOL FEE INCREMENT
As at today, the University Management has not increased any school charge and so the present school charges remain as normal. Nevertheless , as a member of a fact finding committee inaugurated by the Governing Council, we visited various first generation universities (University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University). The fact finding mission started on the 22nd of June and ended officially on the 4th of July 2017. Frankly speaking, the University of Benin undergraduate fees/ charges are still among one of the lowest from these schools. But one truth was common to all, charges are paid according to your faculty and in some cases like in UNN according to your year of study.
IN OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, BELOW WAS THE FEE SCHEDULE OBTAINED.
FACULTIES/PROGRAMMES
CHARGES
PER SESSION
FRESHERS
RETURNING STUDENTS
Law/Arts/Social Sciences/Admin/Edu.Arts
N43,700.00
N19700.00
Per session
Sciences/EDM/EDU.Sciences/Tech/Agric.
N54,700.00
N30,700.00
Per session
Medicine/Pharm/Health Sciences
N57,700.00
N33,700.00
Per session
IN UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, BELOW WAS THE FEE SCHEDULE OBTAINED.
FACULTY/ PROGRAMMES
CHARGES
FRESHERS
RETURNING STUDENTS
Sciences and Languages
N63,500.00
N19,500.00
Non sciences
N53,000.00
N14,500.00
ACCOMODATION FOR THESE UNIVERSITIES
Obafemi Awolowo university N14, 000.00
University of Ibadan N2, 590.00
University of Nigeria N13, 500.00
Frankly speaking, the environmental conditions were almost same with the worse as University of Ibadan and all management we met in these universities complained of two common things; the price paid by students and the pressure on the facilities (Concept of Squatting).
OUR STAND ON THE INCREMENT OF FEES/CHARGES
The Federal Government policy notwithstanding, can be placed on hold subject to certain factors with the most important as the present financial hardship in the country. Two of these policies as paraphrased are;
That all Federal Institutions should have her charges between N0 –N49,000.00
That accommodation facility will be provided depending on the choice of the University management.
To save time, my suggestion (although the committee is still gathering information) is that there should be no increment for the already existing (returning students) ie those already in school should not have their fees increased. This is solely because of the present economic crisis of the nation. This was my suggestion. As an advice, interact with other unions particularly ASUU on this issue.
As a side attraction, let me quickly state it clearly that the information stated on the cover page of the University Kofa Page, Article 4 ,was modified after a dialogue with the university management. This policy “charge for late payment/registration will be activated for the 2016/2017 session on the morning of Monday November 7th 2016. This is 4 weeks after resumption. The initial late charge of N10,000.00 will be increased to N20,000.00 after 2 weeks on Monday 21st November 2016 after which payment and registration for the current session will close’’ has longed been abolished. This policy was abolished on the 7th of November 2016 after the dialogue with the principal officers of the management. Therefore, care should be taken by the beginning of next academic session not to allow unnecessary policies that could strangulate students.
Another area of success was in the complete eradication of biometrics except for fresh students and final year students where they use it as a means of clearance. My administration saw this exercise as a means of extortion and so should be abolished and finally it was.
EKENWAN CAMPUS
The SAFE IMPACT TEAM was keen to help alleviate the ‘‘perceived abandonment”’ of the Ekenwan campus. In one of our meetings with the Chancellor of the University, we brought up this basic truth to his knowledge. The Chancellor of the University made us understand that the school authorities has plans to establish the UNIBEN site B and so it may be too expensive to embark on capital projects in a site that they might soon leave. This could be interpreted that the Ekenwan campus may soon be merged into the University of Benin Ugbowo campus.
Nevertheless, he assured us of palliative measures to ensure that the students are comfortable. This led to the swift responses to the fixing of window protectors in the halls of residence and some minor developments.
The issue of ATM which has been a major problem was also taken up my Executive team. We gathered from some reputable banks that the major complain was the customer base in that other campus compared to Ugbowo campus. The United Bank of Africa Plc promised to bring in an ATM stand. The bank branch manager (Ekenwan road) reassured us that the contractor from their head office in Lagos would begin work soonest as certain economic policy has held it down for some time. I therefore sincerely plead that a follow up should be done by your administration to get the promise fulfilled.
PENDING
My led administration came with ideas that were kept pending owing to economic status of the institution and on a lighter note “unexplainable reasons from the Dean of students. For sake of continuity, let me highlight these pending issues.
Completion of the Student Union Building: This project is a good revenue generating venture for the union. Our insatiable desire and self centredness made us as a union lose golden opportunities to get it completed with the most painful attempt that was aborted – the former governor’s promise and readiness to complete it. Nevertheless, it could still be achieved if an economic risk assessment is carried out. Permit me to clearly state that if the union allow the university complete the building, the ownership, control and funds would go straight to the university. This is based on my discussion with one of the university top officers.
Beautification of Hall 2 Relaxation Centre
My administration believes in continuity as a tool to good governance hence decided to undertake this project. The project was a light up the relaxation centre, construct a waterfall at the centre as originally designed. We got a private firm that agreed to brand, beautify and maintain the site but unfortunately our dean of students stylishly swept it under his carpets as the Memorandum of Understanding never left his office even after the Vice Chancellor gave his initial approval to the project. What a concept he used.
Pedestrian bridge at Main Gate
My administration through the Chancellor got a promise from the State Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki that he will construct a pedestrian bridge at main gate of the Ugbowo campus. For continuity, kindly use a rugged follow up to get this promise achieved.
Insurance and ICT Scheme
An insurance and ICT company approached us and gave us a proposal. The scheme was laudable and a letter of acceptance was sent to the Vice Chancellor through the Dean of Students.
Techno billboards: Techno Company in collaboration with the union placed billboards within Ugbowo campus of the school. Unfortunately, it was brought down by a committee of the University stating that the approval was not gotten through the right channel. We long submitted a letter to that effect and the Dean promised to discuss with the Vice Chancellor but till today still on the reasons unexplainable, could not get us the approval.
I may not be able to write all in my mind on paper, but this little piece of information could help in your quick stabilization in office. I will also wish to humbly state in few lines the need for proper synergy of the Supreme Parliament of the SUG in the rebirth of a viable union.
The parliamentary arm is the legislative arm of the union and should be a proper force behind or beside the Executive arm in order to achieve a semi-independent union. Until we gain a little independence, we may not be able to exercise all constitutional powers. Overtime, the school management without fear or favour has been used to the divide and rule system where either the executive or the parliament will be in favour of the management and this principle has crippled the union. Parliamentary sittings should not be a court to only prosecute executives and their own principal officers (although it should be so when the need arises), rather it should also be a tool of defence for the entire union because they have number and better student representation. They should not relegate their legislative powers to mere motion moving for recess or refreshment. To revive our dying union, both arms must synergise to get the best.
The executive on the other hand should work as a team with a common goal. This will help save our dying union.
Interferences from stakeholders: NANS comrades as popularly cannot be completely eliminated. This is because where there are no counsellors, the people go astray. These stakeholders should with all sincerity of heart join in reviving the union rather sowing a seed of discord among union leaders.
Relationship with University Authorities
This is very dicey and requires high level of wisdom. The guarantee of “enjoying’’ promised benefits is fading. When you are bold to confront them always they either offer you something very irresistible or they attack you in return. Please use wisdom here because every of these actions will either make or mar the union. If you maintain integrity, you may be one of the “poorest’’ union leaders ever. Ironically, even when you support them, you may end same.
Power of Proper Documentation
Agreements or conclusions reached in certain policies should be documented for future purposes. A faint pen is still mightier than the sharpest brain.
CONCLUSION
Aluta spirit is not destructive in all cases. If you use aluta to get something, you will need aluta to keep it from falling. Let your aluta spirit be well informed. Information gives knowledge. I still maintain aluta that would cheat us as students ie we alutarize issues, in most cases destroy few things, the school sends us home, make us pay huge sum of money when we return calling it “REPARATION FEE OR RESTITUTION CHARGE”, then depending on the intensity of the aluta gives us a temporal relief from such issues and deliberately forget the main demands. In all we remain at the receiving end. They still use the greatest weapon against us- FINANCES.
The SAFE IMPACT TEAM may not have a visible project to say ‘‘we did this’’, but we have planted a seed for the revolution of Student Unionism particularly in the University of Benin. Information is that seed. Please water the seed in your time and I believe our God shall bring the increase.
I will not forget to mention that God’s grace is sufficiently available to you as you pilot the affairs of the union into greater heights.
Finally, every opportunity is a platform to grow. I have learn lessons no teacher can teach me, no book could give and still in the spirit of learning, I will appreciate criticisms whether positive or negative as they both are needed for growth.
Silver or gold I have not to give you today, but I present to you one of the products of my mind- my book : THE EXPEDITION. Kindly find time to go through it.
PRAYERS
I wish you a most peaceful and loving tenure. May you excel more than us. May you have few sabotages, and ‘‘Principles-i-have-but-not-followed’’ people in authority. Grace always.
Long live Students’ Union Government,
Long live university of Benin
Long live Edo State
Long live Nigeria.
Aluta continua ! Victoria ascerta !!
I, Hon. Lauretta Obakpolo, President Students’ Union Government, 2015/2016 SAFE IMPACT TEAM on behalf of the entire team uses this medium to congratulate you, and your newly elected team as you assume office today. History has been made, record set. No doubts the University of Benin students saw your leadership prowess and decided to confidently give you this golden opportunity. Indeed UNIBEN students are intellectuals.
First, let me begin by accepting responsibilities for all mistakes during our administration. Some may say ‘‘Lauretta killed the Aluta Spirit’’. I accept the mistakes of not confronting issues in the usual misconstrued ways rather took approaches that we believed would bring a revolution to student unionism if allow to stand.
Every union leader particularly the student union executive officer is seen as one who is an already made millionaire immediately you step into office. I can boldly state that this was not the case in my administration. We, as a team although felt cheated had no option for the sake of the union, to allow many salient truths go. The issue of finance was a major constraint in our administration. A passion to serve against all odds kept us going till the end. For a very long time it has not happened, but it happened in Lauretta led administration because we were said “YOU ARE NOT LOYAL”.
When we assumed office on the 25th of April 2016, the bursary and the school management told us clearly that the union vote has been exhausted and so the union had no funds to run with. This was a normal story every administration experiences and we saw it as an abnormality and decided to go a step further regardless of the fact that we knew it could cause us huge discomfort as we gave in to become sacrificial lambs solely for the vitality of the University of Benin Students’ Union Government. I will not recount our shortcomings or successes but will emphasize more on measures that we believe could be a launching pad for the revitalization of the Students’ Union Government. I won’t cast blames on those who redefined unionism in University of Benin to be a cheap and quick means of making money rather contribute my little quota in the restructuring of the union.
THE ISSUE OF UNION DUES AND UNION ACCOUNT
As at today, the union cannot categorically state that her account is been managed by the school or the union. An aberration. It is on clear record that the union do not have any account operational in any bank. We were made to initially believe that the union had account in First, Fidelity, Access, Unity, First City Monument, Wema banks etc. from thorough investigation; no viable Students’ Union account was in any of these banks. Now, one is left with the question of where do the union dues go to ? On this particular issue no university staffs was willing to release any information in terms of documents but we went to further to ask questions. The union dues of N500 for freshers and N300 for staylites usually paid in the N1650 and N1450 during accommodation booking by both category of students goes directly into the university’s account (which is now the Federal government single treasury otherwise called TSA). The bursar in one of our meetings made a statement that ever since he assumed office (four years ago), he has not seen the union dues. It therefore means that for these four years the union dues has not been touched rather added to the school’s income.
The next question is how then were they running the union? From enquiries made over five years / administrations ago, the school in her annual budget creates a vote of thirty five million naira yearly for students and their affairs. This amount is a budget please. From this estimated amount, DSTV subscriptions, SUG annual elections, Halls of residence elections, Red Cross, Man O’ war, student-based committee such as the Cult Renunciation , the SUG expenses- Executive and parliamentary and a host of other expenses were handled. From research also, in the2014/2015 administration, a total of fifty seven million naira was used making the 2016 budgeted amount already in red as at when we assumed office in April 2016. This will discovered was a recurring event every year. Let me quickly state for emphasis sake, that my led administration has brought an end to such as no bursar should tell this newly elected union there is no vote for the Students’ Union Government because we were told that the estimated amount for this year has been reserved for the incoming union. This was the major reason they gave us when we demanded for our budget and because we had no evidence to back up our claims, we had to leave the remainder in the vote for this new administration (although we are still expecting it as the school promised). This estimated budget is to the discretional powers of the management as before now when students’ union leaders agitate for their dues they are given huge amount of monies and the fight for financial independence experience a natural death. Then we were left with our student union dues. The major question I could not get an expressive answer to all through in office was the issue of the union dues that was not accounted for the past four years since the bursar said he do not have any idea of where the monies go to. Okay as a way to avoid digging into the past, we decided to go for a restructuring. I particularly took pain to go to other institutions to know how they operate their Students’ Union. Schools visited were both Federal and State Universities.
University of Ibadan: in this institution, the union operates basically from her union dues as neither the school management or the federal government set a special account/ budget for the union. The school management collects the dues as part of the school charges (popularly called school fees) and transfers it to the union account which is not part of the school’s account (TSA). All expenses done by the union comes from that separate union account but with the close supervision of the Dean of Students, President of the union and other approved signatories to the account. The school management may decide to support the union in projects or programmes that has a huge financial burden on the union’s account but will have an overall benefit on the school community.
On the other hand, the budget for each union official is approved/ratified, money disbursed depending on their constitutional requirements (No school uses the same approach of our great UNIBEN). Each office is then made to work within the assigned budget and at the end of the tenure, the school set up an audit committee to audit each officer.
This was same in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Delta State University, Abraka, University of Uyo, Uyo, Imo State University, Owerri, Rivers State University, River states and a host of others visited.
Note: information provided herein was obtained both from union leaders and principal officers of the Universities visited. I stand to be corrected.
University of Lagos: This institution has a unique style of operation although they (Students’ Union Government) have suffered some instability for some time now. In this university, students pay their dues directly into the students’ union account with the below account details:
ACCOUNT NAME: UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS STUDENTS’ UNION (ULSU)
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1019031036
BANK: UBA PLC.
Fresh students: N500 Returning Students: N300 only.
See attached document titled ‘‘UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS SCHEDULE OBLIGATORY CHARGES’’
The bursar representative we met during our fact finding tour stated with all sense of confidence that they as management do not interfere in the activities of the union not even in the lowest level except when called upon. Then a question came into my mind, ‘‘When will University of Benin Union get this financial freedom?
ANOMALIES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN STUDENTS’ UNION
The strength of any government lies in her economic and financial backbone. The Students’ Union Government in University of Benin has become a toothless bulldog because she has been devoid of her strength.
Below are some of these anomalies:
In the University of Benin Students’ union there is no bank or bank account that has the funds/dues of her members. I recall a funny experience while in office. The Dean of Students saw our agitation for a separate account and financial liberty of the union, joined us in the fight, and wrote to a bank but along the line, left the fight for reasons still unexplainable. If I could, I would have asked ‘what where you told about the account saga? The management based their arguments that we as students cannot be disciplined financially. This is an aberration to the intellectuals but on close consideration it is the TRUTH.
It is only those that book or apply for bed spaces that are conventional members of the union since the dues are paid through the accommodation platform. If I could ask again, those paid before, where are they? But if asked, who will answer.
Since the account does not exist, neither the President nor the Director of Finance is a signatory. Funny, yes very funny. And we say we are a government? To get money regardless of the amount, the Dean, Vice chancellor and bursar must use their different colours of pen to make all funny comments such as Bursar please advice, approved, kindly suspend or most often NOTED. This comments do not still define payments as Abuja I mean CBN may not release the money. Approvals could be stopped at any stage depending on their discretional powers and in some cases the Dean may humbly minute ‘‘ VC Sir, this programme is a laudable one but should be included in the UNIBEN International Cultural and Arts Festival’’ (an event yet to come).
The budget system in the University of Benin Students’ Union Government is an imaginary budget. From findings made on administrations before mine, the individual officers make individual requests from the management through the Dean of Students to get any financial help. Then at the end of the tenure they will be given an amount they call ‘‘budget approval’’ but I call it ‘‘take home’’. From research, a president was given N4million naira (one million naira for executive dinner and three million naira as budget approved for him I mean his take home. This was already in the advert of the said TSA). This is different from the approvals for programs and projects already approved and done. One will be moved to ask ‘‘how’’? Yes, it is very possible. Have a Dean that believes that union leaders contributes immensely to the peace on campus and so should be well rewarded for service rendered and not a Dean that sees union leaders as potential enemies to the school management and so should be starved to death’’ as we have no foresight or plans according to him.
Also, the budget system as it should be is supposed to outline programmes/ projects and administrative expenses of each union leader but the University of Benin do not practice that. During my tenure , all projects suggested were buried under the carpet of the Dean of Students all because it was seen that when students embark on such projects they use them as avenue to enrich their pockets. In some cases, the Dean refers our projects or ideas to the school management for any of the university committee to handle.
SUGGESTED WAY FORWARD
I spent most of my time in office gathering information so as to a lay a solid foundation in the rebirth of a true unionism our founding fathers gave to us. Information that could help set a pace for a better and progressive union. I believe in continuity as a strategic tool to good governance and so encourage you, Mr. President to use some of this information contained in contributing your quota to the Student Union Government.
Below are some of my suggestions as a guide;
That the union dues be removed from the accommodation platform to the school charges platform. This will ensure all students pay their dues to the union for smooth running of the affairs of the union. For this to be effective, place a demand on the school management to release the union funds and make it available in a separate account or create a separate account and make students pay directly into the account and use the receipts as a pre-requisite in any of the sessional registration and/or clearance. Both options have advantages and disadvantages and so should be treated carefully. The first option would be a very good option provided the union have a backup mechanism to ensure they get their monies. These back up mechanisms could include;
Take a census. Know the total number of full time undergraduate students that are constitutional members of the union. As at today, it is estimated to be 40,208 students across the 14 faculties. Know the number of freshers and staylites for the new session. The university will never release wilfully this information.
Get a functional union account in a reputable bank (although our Director of Finance had a dead Wema Bank Account for the Students’ Union). The university authorities might refute this step but if the entire union can work together and with one voice, then it is achievable. Signatories to the account should be as constitution demand.
Get a running estimated budget for the administration immediately you assume office. The parliament whose constitutional duty is to ratify the budget should do that quickly so as to revive the union and erase this norm that is affecting the union already negatively.
During the transfer of union dues from the accommodation platform to the school fees or charges, the union should be ready to stand her ground to resist any form of increment to the already existing charges. This is because such change could be an avenue to increase the present school charges. This was the case in Rivers State University few years ago.
NOTE: The issue of proposed school fee/charges increment will be discussed subsequently.
On this aspect, I believe as leaders of tomorrow, we should be trained to be financially responsible. I think it is time to make the union financially semi-independent again. Let the constitution stand.
Another issue my administration combatted with was PRICE CONTROL OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS WITHIN CAMPUS.
Price of sachet water and bread as University of Benin products: From what we gathered, we discovered that the University of Benin table water is not a complete establishment of the institution. This is say that many factors will contribute to the price of the finished product. Nevertheless, the most disturbing factor we observed was the DISTRIBUTION CHAIN between the site of production and the Ugbowo community. In one of our meetings, a resolution was suggested and approved that a depot system be used to truncate some of this distribution chain that has led to the increase in price. The depot system was that an outlet should be placed very close to the halls of residence (suggested area was within the building that house the Guidance and Counselling Unit beside hall 1 and hall 3). This first depot outlet was supposed to grow with time to bring about more depot systems within the school. With this system, the student can get water at factory price which is N130 naira per bag and 3 sachets for N20. A palliative measure was developed as a temporal depot outlet at Hall 2 (close to the relaxation centre) and students got water at the factory price. Bureaucracy as they call it, has delayed the setting to standard the approved site for the depot system.
For the bread, on several visits to the bread factory, it was observed that the factory uses quality ingredients and the final products were also of good quality. It was later discovered that most retailers do not sell just UNIBEN bread rather they get substandard bread from unknown manufacturers and exchange the labels. A check mechanism from the office of the director of welfare was put in place and could be strengthened for efficiency.
For the issue of price of the bread, the Nigeria economy really affected the raw materials and items. Nevertheless, it was maintained at the current N80 as against the suggested N100 regardless of economic turbulence.
Issue of shuttle and cab prices: Upon assumption of office, we met an already established agitation for increment by the shuttle and cab drivers. We went on a fact finding mission on the 15-17th of November 2016 (precisely OAU, UI and UNN). In these schools, the shuttle buses charge N50 per passenger and N150 for cab per drop. In University of Nigeria, UNN, Nsukka , the cab drivers charge N200 for four passengers as they do not do the drop system.
After our findings, our resolution was that the shuttle buses within the school should be increased from N20 to N30 naira and maintained the N100 naira per drop for cab with a maximum of three (3) students per drop since University of Benin had shorter distances within the school when compared with the schools visited.
The effectiveness of the policy requires all hands on deck and more so a forceful monitoring team.
Other commodities on campus were increased because of the economic crisis rocking the nation. A monitoring team was and should help maintain or regulate quality and price of these products
ISSUE OF PROPOSED SCHOOL FEE INCREMENT
As at today, the University Management has not increased any school charge and so the present school charges remain as normal. Nevertheless , as a member of a fact finding committee inaugurated by the Governing Council, we visited various first generation universities (University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University). The fact finding mission started on the 22nd of June and ended officially on the 4th of July 2017. Frankly speaking, the University of Benin undergraduate fees/ charges are still among one of the lowest from these schools. But one truth was common to all, charges are paid according to your faculty and in some cases like in UNN according to your year of study.
IN OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, BELOW WAS THE FEE SCHEDULE OBTAINED.
FACULTIES/PROGRAMMES
CHARGES
PER SESSION
FRESHERS
RETURNING STUDENTS
Law/Arts/Social Sciences/Admin/Edu.Arts
N43,700.00
N19700.00
Per session
Sciences/EDM/EDU.Sciences/Tech/Agric.
N54,700.00
N30,700.00
Per session
Medicine/Pharm/Health Sciences
N57,700.00
N33,700.00
Per session
IN UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, BELOW WAS THE FEE SCHEDULE OBTAINED.
FACULTY/ PROGRAMMES
CHARGES
FRESHERS
RETURNING STUDENTS
Sciences and Languages
N63,500.00
N19,500.00
Non sciences
N53,000.00
N14,500.00
ACCOMODATION FOR THESE UNIVERSITIES
Obafemi Awolowo university N14, 000.00
University of Ibadan N2, 590.00
University of Nigeria N13, 500.00
Frankly speaking, the environmental conditions were almost same with the worse as University of Ibadan and all management we met in these universities complained of two common things; the price paid by students and the pressure on the facilities (Concept of Squatting).
OUR STAND ON THE INCREMENT OF FEES/CHARGES
The Federal Government policy notwithstanding, can be placed on hold subject to certain factors with the most important as the present financial hardship in the country. Two of these policies as paraphrased are;
That all Federal Institutions should have her charges between N0 –N49,000.00
That accommodation facility will be provided depending on the choice of the University management.
To save time, my suggestion (although the committee is still gathering information) is that there should be no increment for the already existing (returning students) ie those already in school should not have their fees increased. This is solely because of the present economic crisis of the nation. This was my suggestion. As an advice, interact with other unions particularly ASUU on this issue.
As a side attraction, let me quickly state it clearly that the information stated on the cover page of the University Kofa Page, Article 4 ,was modified after a dialogue with the university management. This policy “charge for late payment/registration will be activated for the 2016/2017 session on the morning of Monday November 7th 2016. This is 4 weeks after resumption. The initial late charge of N10,000.00 will be increased to N20,000.00 after 2 weeks on Monday 21st November 2016 after which payment and registration for the current session will close’’ has longed been abolished. This policy was abolished on the 7th of November 2016 after the dialogue with the principal officers of the management. Therefore, care should be taken by the beginning of next academic session not to allow unnecessary policies that could strangulate students.
Another area of success was in the complete eradication of biometrics except for fresh students and final year students where they use it as a means of clearance. My administration saw this exercise as a means of extortion and so should be abolished and finally it was.
EKENWAN CAMPUS
The SAFE IMPACT TEAM was keen to help alleviate the ‘‘perceived abandonment”’ of the Ekenwan campus. In one of our meetings with the Chancellor of the University, we brought up this basic truth to his knowledge. The Chancellor of the University made us understand that the school authorities has plans to establish the UNIBEN site B and so it may be too expensive to embark on capital projects in a site that they might soon leave. This could be interpreted that the Ekenwan campus may soon be merged into the University of Benin Ugbowo campus.
Nevertheless, he assured us of palliative measures to ensure that the students are comfortable. This led to the swift responses to the fixing of window protectors in the halls of residence and some minor developments.
The issue of ATM which has been a major problem was also taken up my Executive team. We gathered from some reputable banks that the major complain was the customer base in that other campus compared to Ugbowo campus. The United Bank of Africa Plc promised to bring in an ATM stand. The bank branch manager (Ekenwan road) reassured us that the contractor from their head office in Lagos would begin work soonest as certain economic policy has held it down for some time. I therefore sincerely plead that a follow up should be done by your administration to get the promise fulfilled.
PENDING
My led administration came with ideas that were kept pending owing to economic status of the institution and on a lighter note “unexplainable reasons from the Dean of students. For sake of continuity, let me highlight these pending issues.
Completion of the Student Union Building: This project is a good revenue generating venture for the union. Our insatiable desire and self centredness made us as a union lose golden opportunities to get it completed with the most painful attempt that was aborted – the former governor’s promise and readiness to complete it. Nevertheless, it could still be achieved if an economic risk assessment is carried out. Permit me to clearly state that if the union allow the university complete the building, the ownership, control and funds would go straight to the university. This is based on my discussion with one of the university top officers.
Beautification of Hall 2 Relaxation Centre
My administration believes in continuity as a tool to good governance hence decided to undertake this project. The project was a light up the relaxation centre, construct a waterfall at the centre as originally designed. We got a private firm that agreed to brand, beautify and maintain the site but unfortunately our dean of students stylishly swept it under his carpets as the Memorandum of Understanding never left his office even after the Vice Chancellor gave his initial approval to the project. What a concept he used.
Pedestrian bridge at Main Gate
My administration through the Chancellor got a promise from the State Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki that he will construct a pedestrian bridge at main gate of the Ugbowo campus. For continuity, kindly use a rugged follow up to get this promise achieved.
Insurance and ICT Scheme
An insurance and ICT company approached us and gave us a proposal. The scheme was laudable and a letter of acceptance was sent to the Vice Chancellor through the Dean of Students.
Techno billboards: Techno Company in collaboration with the union placed billboards within Ugbowo campus of the school. Unfortunately, it was brought down by a committee of the University stating that the approval was not gotten through the right channel. We long submitted a letter to that effect and the Dean promised to discuss with the Vice Chancellor but till today still on the reasons unexplainable, could not get us the approval.
I may not be able to write all in my mind on paper, but this little piece of information could help in your quick stabilization in office. I will also wish to humbly state in few lines the need for proper synergy of the Supreme Parliament of the SUG in the rebirth of a viable union.
The parliamentary arm is the legislative arm of the union and should be a proper force behind or beside the Executive arm in order to achieve a semi-independent union. Until we gain a little independence, we may not be able to exercise all constitutional powers. Overtime, the school management without fear or favour has been used to the divide and rule system where either the executive or the parliament will be in favour of the management and this principle has crippled the union. Parliamentary sittings should not be a court to only prosecute executives and their own principal officers (although it should be so when the need arises), rather it should also be a tool of defence for the entire union because they have number and better student representation. They should not relegate their legislative powers to mere motion moving for recess or refreshment. To revive our dying union, both arms must synergise to get the best.
The executive on the other hand should work as a team with a common goal. This will help save our dying union.
Interferences from stakeholders: NANS comrades as popularly cannot be completely eliminated. This is because where there are no counsellors, the people go astray. These stakeholders should with all sincerity of heart join in reviving the union rather sowing a seed of discord among union leaders.
Relationship with University Authorities
This is very dicey and requires high level of wisdom. The guarantee of “enjoying’’ promised benefits is fading. When you are bold to confront them always they either offer you something very irresistible or they attack you in return. Please use wisdom here because every of these actions will either make or mar the union. If you maintain integrity, you may be one of the “poorest’’ union leaders ever. Ironically, even when you support them, you may end same.
Power of Proper Documentation
Agreements or conclusions reached in certain policies should be documented for future purposes. A faint pen is still mightier than the sharpest brain.
CONCLUSION
Aluta spirit is not destructive in all cases. If you use aluta to get something, you will need aluta to keep it from falling. Let your aluta spirit be well informed. Information gives knowledge. I still maintain aluta that would cheat us as students ie we alutarize issues, in most cases destroy few things, the school sends us home, make us pay huge sum of money when we return calling it “REPARATION FEE OR RESTITUTION CHARGE”, then depending on the intensity of the aluta gives us a temporal relief from such issues and deliberately forget the main demands. In all we remain at the receiving end. They still use the greatest weapon against us- FINANCES.
The SAFE IMPACT TEAM may not have a visible project to say ‘‘we did this’’, but we have planted a seed for the revolution of Student Unionism particularly in the University of Benin. Information is that seed. Please water the seed in your time and I believe our God shall bring the increase.
I will not forget to mention that God’s grace is sufficiently available to you as you pilot the affairs of the union into greater heights.
Finally, every opportunity is a platform to grow. I have learn lessons no teacher can teach me, no book could give and still in the spirit of learning, I will appreciate criticisms whether positive or negative as they both are needed for growth.
Silver or gold I have not to give you today, but I present to you one of the products of my mind- my book : THE EXPEDITION. Kindly find time to go through it.
PRAYERS
I wish you a most peaceful and loving tenure. May you excel more than us. May you have few sabotages, and ‘‘Principles-i-have-but-not-followed’’ people in authority. Grace always.
Long live Students’ Union Government,
Long live university of Benin
Long live Edo State
Long live Nigeria.
Aluta continua ! Victoria ascerta !!
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