UTILIZATION OF THE 3.85M RELEASED: OAU STUDENTS OPPOSE CEC PROPOSED PROJECTS.

   
     The students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife expressed their views on the projects that the 3.85m naira, the 2nd tranche of the backlog released by the University management to Dr. IBK led administration, will be used for.
     The first tranche of the backlog released by the University management few months ago was used for the purchase of the 14 seaters bus, which led to controversies from the students, legislative and judicial arm of the Union.
     On Tuesday, September 5, the CEC (Central Executive Council) members in a meeting resolved to utilize the 3.85m for for the refurbishment and purchase of
equipment for the Great Ife Students' Union Library, construction of relaxation centre and sit-outs and construction of Staircase around Alumni-Archi axis.
  According to our source, who was present at the meeting, it was gathered that the school management proposed the purchase of another bus with the released money. After much deliberations, the freshers' package by the Vice president , renovation of the basketball courts by the Director of sports and some other suggestions were rejected.
   "There was need to prioritize because there are myraids of projects to be executed, which includes attending to the increased rent of students staying in some hostels. " said Okediji Simon, the PRO of the Union.
   In a bid to gather students' opinions on the decision of the CEC members, OAU KILONSHELE conducted an opinion poll,which students responded. 70% opposed the decision while 30% supported and added that the process should pass through appropriate channels, such as the SRC (Students' Representative council) and her B&F (Budget and Finance) committee.
 
 Folarin Adedamola, the Welfare director of  (NUESA) OAU suggested the construction of borehole in halls of residence.
       "I don't subscribe to any of the listed suggestions. Over the years, our welfare fight has been over light and water, when by now our course of struggle ought to have overcame that messy agitation. In my own, since we still have expectation of more of this kind of fund, I will suggest they construct borehole ( the money can still get us two borehole: 1 in any male hall n 1 in any female hall). With this is will cushion the effect of poor water system as 40% of students would benefit, unlike the bus that Mr President has turn to his personal vehicle. We should engage in project that is of use to average Great Ife students." he said.
        Blaq, a part 2 student of the department civil engineering opined that the Refurbishment of the library should be substituted for the renovation of lecture rooms to aid learning.
       "The idea of a staircase construction around Archi studio is quite reasonable aside that other suggestions don't seem reasonable to me. I mean if we are to be frank with ourselves what percentage of great Ife students make use of the student union library that manageable funds should be wasted on its refurbishment? This is really not a good step in ensuring a transparent use of the funds allotted. What if This money is used to repair spoilt fans and electrical connections in most of the bad classrooms where ventilation is really poor(like the ODLT 1 and 2, AUD 1 and 2, BOOC) and others like that. Atleast this will enhance proper learning benefits for both students and lecturers." he stated.
       However, a part 4 student of Pharmacy agreed with the proposed projects but advised that it should pass through the right channels for ratification. He said that;
       "The construction of alumni-archi staircase is a good one, but should be pass through appropriate channel like the B&F and SRC."
       The performance of Dr. IBK led administration was ranked POOR by 60%, AVERAGE by 30% and GOOD by 10% of the responses from the poll.


Olufemi Alfred .O. 
Oau Kilonshele News agency 
Reporting....