The Management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (OSPOLY) has formally inaugurated members of the institution’s Independent Students’ Electoral Commission (ISEC) ahead of the 2024/2025 Students Union Government (SUG) election. The development marks a significant step towards restoring democratic structures within the student body and ensuring that the upcoming polls are transparent, credible, and peaceful.
The inauguration, which took place at the Board of Studies (BOS) hall within the campus, featured the swearing-in of nominated ISEC members and the election of five principal officers to oversee the activities of the election. The newly established commission is tasked with the responsibility of conducting a free, fair, and credible SUG election under the watchful supervision of the school’s authorities.
The five principal officers who emerged during the inauguration include Soyinka Abraham Adeniyi as Chairman, Solomon Matthew as Vice Chairman, Salako Oluwatobilolw Samson as General Secretary, Bolarinwa Muminat Olajumoke as Public Relations Officer, and Afolabi Christina Funmilayo as Financial Secretary. Collectively, they are expected to provide the leadership required to coordinate student electoral activities within the institution.
Representing the institution’s management during the event, the Registrar, Mr. Abiodun Oloyede, conducted the swearing-in exercise. He charged the newly inaugurated ISEC members to discharge their duties diligently, reminding them that their current roles are not only crucial to the stability of student governance but also serve as a stepping stone for leadership opportunities in the future.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Tope Abiola, commended stakeholders within the institution who advocated for the return of a democratic students’ union. He further revealed that the Management, under the leadership of Rector Mr. Kehinde Alabi, had given full approval for the SUG election to hold, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening student representation.
Dr. Abiola also used the opportunity to remind students of their academic obligations. He stressed the importance of timely course registration, warning that students who fail to complete registration and settle their dues including a ₦30,000 fine where applicable would be denied access to their academic portals and examination results.
While addressing the students, Dr. Abiola pleaded for cooperation, urging them to contribute positively towards ensuring a smooth election. He admonished them to avoid anti-social behaviors such as cultism, hooliganism, and thuggery, which could compromise the credibility of the process. According to him, “The success of this election lies in the hands of the students themselves, and peace must remain our guiding principle.”
Echoing this call, the institution’s Director of Media, Publicity, and Protocol, Mr. Bayo Fadeji, cautioned the students to adhere strictly to the rules guiding the conduct of the election. He emphasized that impartiality and fairness must be upheld at all stages, while charging ISEC members to resist external pressures from candidates’ supporters. “The interests of the students must come first. Let us play the game according to the rules and have our union back,” Fadeji declared.
In his inaugural speech, the newly elected ISEC Chairman, Soyinka Abraham, announced the lifting of the ban on political activities within the campus. He assured students of his commitment to conducting a credible election in line with the electoral guidelines. Abraham expressed gratitude to the management and stakeholders for trusting him with the responsibility, pledging to use his abilities to ensure a transparent, free, and fair election.
“I have sworn before the Registrar and the Dean of Students’ Affairs of this institution. I will ensure that I use all my abilities and power to deliver a successful election that all students can be proud of,” Abraham affirmed, receiving applause from students present at the ceremony.
The inauguration ceremony, which was well attended, had in presence the Registrar, Mr. Abiodun Oloyede, who chaired the occasion; the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Tope Abiola; the Director of Media, Publicity, and Protocol, Mr. Bayo Fadeji; the Students’ Affairs Officer, Mr. Olawoye Olawoyin; and OSPOLY’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olonade Oluwaseun. Also in attendance were stakeholders across the institution and the newly sworn-in ISEC members.
The gathering not only marked the official establishment of the electoral body but also symbolized a renewed commitment by both the management and students to embrace democratic processes within the institution. For many in attendance, the ceremony was a clear sign that OSPOLY is determined to strengthen its culture of inclusiveness and accountability in student leadership.
As preparations for the forthcoming SUG election gain momentum, the OSPOLY management has urged all students to remain disciplined, law-abiding, and committed to ensuring that the exercise becomes a model of credible student leadership transition in Nigeria’s polytechnic system.
