“Leadership is a noble call to responsibility” – AFUED VC charges new student union leaders.

The Vice Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University Education, Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola has charged the newly inaugurated student union leaders of the institution to see leadership as a noble call for responsibility.

While congratulating the Comrade James Friday led student union executive at the inauguration held on Monday 24, 2025, in the University, he said “leadership is a noble call to responsibility and I am confidence that you will discharge your duties with integrity, vision and commitment”.

The Administrator described students’ union as a strategic partner of the University in promotion of student welfare, peace, unity and academic excellence, noting that their new roles demand diligence, inclusivity, sound judgement, commitment to the needs of their diverse student population.

He urged the new leaders to embrace the virtues of humility, transparency, accountability and selfishness service, saying; “Engage constructively, listen affectively, and ensure that every student feel seen, heard and represented”.

“The elections have been concluded, now is time for governance. I call on all students to support the new administration so that meaningful development can be achieved. Remember that students’ unionism is about service, responsibility and positive leadership, not personal gain or conduct that undermines the dignity of the union. The University will not condone actions that violate these principles”, he remarked.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Dean of Students Affairs, AFUED, Dr. (Mrs.) Justina Ogboru, appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, for “being supportive to the students through the Division of Students Affairs”

Describing the outgoing SUG President, Comrade Aniefiok Gideon as a true leader, Dr. Ogboru expressed appreciation to him and every other member of his administration, for contributions made to the growth and development of students’ unionism in the University.

Her words: “I sincerely appeal to you not to see your new positions as an opportunity to enrich yourselves, but rather see it as a call to service and always endeavor to leave behind memorable and indelible footprints on the sands of time”.

“For those who contested the 2025/2026 SUG election but didn’t get the baton, they should see it as one of the things that could happen to anybody, I admire and salute your courage for even coming out to contest”, she added.

In his remarks, the outgoing SUG President, Comrade Aniefiok Gideon, thanked the Management, his team, and the AFUED students for their support and cooperation.

Also in his comment, the new AFUED SUG President, Comrade James Friday, gave glory to God for a successful election, and swearing-in ceremony. He thanked every student for the trust bestowed upon him as their president. Saying "Our administration shall begin from where our predecessor stopped by focusing more on academic welfare, better collaborations, social activities that are educationally inclined, entrepreneurship, among others”.

Goodwill Messages were delivered by Chairman, Transition Committee, ASUU AFUED chapter, Dr. O. E. Ajisafe; Chairman, SSANU, represented by SSANU Secretary, AFUED chapter Dr. Taiwo Akinola; Chairman NASU, AFUED chapter represented by Mr. John Odetola; and Chairman NAAT, represented by Mr. Akinwonmi Babalola.

The event which took place at Babatunde Ipaye Lecture Theatre in the University had in attendance prominent personalities including Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao; University Librarian, Dr. Azino Akpokurerie; Wife of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs) C.J. Popoola.

Others were, the Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, AFUED, Mrs. Olatuyi Oluseto Abidemi; Former Dean, Division of Student Affairs, Mr. O.O. Akinola; Chief Imam AFUED Muslim Community, Dr. Odeniyi Ismail; Director of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Dr. A.A. Obijole; Ag. Director of CHDC, Dr. M.F. Dada; Chairman SUG Electoral Committee 2025/2026, Comrade Temidayo Friday; Outgoing SUG President, Comrade Aniefiok Gideon Dickson; parents of the celebrants; staff and students of AFUED among others.