Op-ed: OSPOLY ASUP Strike: Does SUA Body Have A SAY?

By: Boluwaji Daso

In a hierarchical system, there are different levels at which decisions are made to improve an organization's growth by choosing a group of people to represent the public. Accurate reports must also be submitted to show evidence of loyalty in the competition for education or higher salaries for jobs.   

The results of them being the head of the party should at least be exhibited to the public in a way that is kind of effective to earn the public's trust and commitment if the chosen people are providing the best services possible in portraying the outward appearances of the public. 

Nevertheless, Some Daily Part-Time (DPT) Program students at Osun State Polytechnic in Iree, who are eager to commence their suspended first-semester examination for 2022/2023, have recently expressed displeasure over rumors that have been spreading about when the examination will likely start.  To ensure the continuation of academic activities on campus, the Student Union Body (SUG) has been communicating with students about happenings on campus and making efforts by meeting with government stakeholders and school administration in reopening the institution and academics activity. 

It will be noted that OSPOLY ASUP members protested at the institution on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in response to Tajudeen Odetayo's suspension as rector, which had an impact on the school's daily part-time students' continuing exams. 

The protesting body however stated that all academic activities would be postponed until further notice, the protest led to the institution's closure and the suspension of the exam.

Moreover, Numerous students expected the Student Union Association (SUA) to provide them with accurate information regarding the suspension of their examinations and the continuation of the exams, but the SUA failed to do so despite the ordeals that plagued the ongoing DPT exams and other academic activities in the institution. "What is the work of the SUA?" are the pertinent questions. Does this imply that the SUA executives are unable to comment on the postponement of the ongoing DPT exams? Does this imply that the students they represent don't deserve to know when the examinations that have been suspended will resume?

It is widely accepted that the SUA Executives, as members of the leadership, act as the representatives of the people they lead or act as a liaison between the students and the institution's administration.  But is this function being carried out by the SUA body?  Basically, it's quite ironic that so many students have been venting on social media about how they don't have money to buy meals for themselves at home or money to take care of their well-being at school. Many even asked when they would start their suspended examinations.  There is no proof to support their claims as to when their predictions would come true. 

Similar to how the NAMACOS President, Com. Oladeji Israel Victor languished over the SUA body's lack of action as the representation of all students in the Koko campus wing of the institution, it should be emphasized that at the time this report was filed in light of the circumstances. The SUA body, however, typically responds quickly to awaiting students as soon as they can.