The University of Benin conducted an election for the Student Union Government (SUG) executives on 24th September 2021. The electoral process started with debates by aspirants on 22nd September followed by the presentation of manifestoes on the second day, 23rd September at the Festus Iyayi Hall, University of Benin. This provided a platform for the contestants to relate with fellow students that constitute the electorate. The grand finale of the electoral process came on 24th of September 2021, when students chose from a significant pool of aspirants, those that would occupy the various elective positions provided for by the SUG constitution.
Speaking with All Campus Show, the Secretary of the Electoral Commission (ELECO), Comrade Hope Osazee boasted that the success of the election was a given and well expected due to the logistic preparedness of the Electoral Commission. He related the events that characterized the final phase, noting that in most of the polling units (Hall One, Hall Two, Hall Three and Hall Five; Basement, Main Bowl, Clinical Hostel, NDDC, Twin L.T, Faculty of Law and the Nelson Mandela Hostel common room at Ekenwan Campus), accreditation and voting commenced as early as 9am. The total votes gathered in the election stood at about 8,500 and this was a University record.
Comrade Osazee emphasized that all the returning officers assigned to the centres were there early and there was high voter turn-out at the Basement, Clinical Hostel and Main Bow, where faculty of Engineering voted. He admitted that the large crowd of voters was a major challenge but was however managed successfully with the cooperation of the students.
On the parameters used to decide voter eligibility, Comrade Osazee said they included payment of school fees and possession of valid student identification card.
Going forward, Comrade Hope Osazee, among other things, recommended that future SUG Electoral Commissions should ensure that voting materials get to collation centres promptly to enhance the credibility of the process. He specially thanked the University management, from the Vice Chancellor, Prof Lillian I. Salami, the Dean of Students and Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Prof Patrick Igbinaduwa who is the chairman of the commission, and the fourteen (14) members of the electoral commission: Joseph Ndueche (Dentistry), Olinya Ibeabuchi Gabriel (Faculty of Education) Izekor Edibuohien (Social Science) Otabor Abbot Osayande (Engineering) Ochulor Christian (Enviromental Sciences) Arinze Arnold (Pharmacy), Matthew George Eshkhai ( Life Sciences); Aijehi Martin Osagie (Physical Sciences); Omoregie Precious Osatohamwen (Basic Medical Sciences); Hon. Ahenbee Jacob (Faculty of Arts); Orupke Osagie Wisdom (Agriculture); Ezomo Osaheni Benedict (Law); Emmanuel Ogechi Iduh (Management Sciences) and Hope Osazee (Medicine) for their support and commitment to the success of the process.
Comrade Osazee extended his gratitude to Professor Osemwenkhae, Mr. Ogbemudia (SDR); Mr. Ehigie (JEGA). He also thanked All Campus Show Media for their cooperation with the Students Union Government of University of Benin.
Relatedly, a former student of the University, Hon. Olawale Ezekiel popularly known as Professor, while speaking with All Campus Show, he commended the efforts of the ELECO for the success of the election, nothing that there were though pockets of challenges but these only served to strengthen the process.
However, the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected SUG executives took place Monday, 27th September, 2021 at the Senate Chamber, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. The event featured in attendace, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lillian I. Salami, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Dean of Students’ Affairs and the Chief Judge of Edo state humbly represented by Dr. Bright Oniha who conducted the oath taking for the new SUG executives.
The Vice chancellor, Professor Mrs. Lillian I. Salami in her speech, addressed the public and the new elected SUG executives. The VC promised that the present management of University of Benin will in all capacity and situations support dialogue, idea generation thereby curating them collectively for a better University of Benin. She also advised the new SUG executives to embrace self-less service.
It is therefore imperative at this juncture to note without no fear of contradiction that the Vice Chancellor has passionately worked on a seven point agenda letter which All Campus Show wrote to the management during the outgoing SUG administration; the beautification of the main gate at Ugbowo Campus, the renovation of the bus park, halting public cattle ranching activities on campus, ensuring effective water and power supply in both campuses. To this end, the regime of Prof Salami is a blessing to the entire University of Benin.
Furthermore, in an interview with our correspondence, Professor Salami expressed her happiness, ensuring that there would be maximum cooperation between the management and the new SUG executives to make sure the welfare of all Uniben Students is held in high esteem.
Conclusively, the new SUG President, Amadin Foster Osazee in his speech gave thanks to the students of the University of Benin who elected him as the president of SUG 2020/2021 session. In his words
‘’UNIBEN is for us all and we will have to do it together in order to take the union and the name of the institution to a greater height’’
Photos By: iMikkygram