The management of the University of Ibadan in Oyo State has advised student leaders within the institution to balance unionism with academic excellence.
The institution gave this advice during a retreat for student leaders in the institution.
Our correspondent reports that the retreat was attended by members of the newly elected Student Union Executive Committee, members of the Students Representative Council, Faculty leaders and leaders in the halls of residence.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Kayode Adebowale who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, urged the students to ensure they also pursue academic excellence as they lead their various unions.
He warned the students that leadership is a huge responsibility that should not be taken with levity, advising them to ensure a peaceful administration of their mandates by exhibiting maturity and purposeful student unionism.
The VC told the student leaders that everything should not be about confrontation, protests, and conflicts but advised them to learn to consult and bring matters to the table for a peaceful resolution.
“The students should balance unionism and academic excellence. Leadership is a huge responsibility that should not be taken with levity.
“Everything should not be about confrontation, protests, and conflicts”.