By Otitoju Femi
The National Association of Academic Technologists, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Branch, has commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole for prioritising staff welfare as it commenced the construction of its branch secretariat.
The commendation came on Tuesday during the foundation laying ceremony of the NAAT Secretariat at the university campus in Oye-Ekiti.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NAAT, FUOYE Branch, Comrade Babafemi Oluwasola Dare described the ceremony as a historic milestone for academic technologists, saying the project represented dignity, recognition and a brighter future for members of the union.
“Today we are gathered not just to turn the soil, but to lay a foundation for recognition, dignity and the future of Academic Technologists in this university,” he declared.
Comrade Babafemi noted that for over a decade, academic technologists had remained the driving force behind successful laboratory operations, research activities and scientific experiments in the university despite operating without a befitting secretariat.
According to him, the proposed building will serve as the union’s administrative headquarters, training centre, welfare office and a lasting symbol of the contributions of academic technologists to the institution.
The branch chairman reserved special praise for Prof. Ogunwole, describing his interventions in the welfare of technologists as unprecedented.
“Your appointment is new, but your impact on NAAT is already legendary. You restored dignity to our members by reallocating offices adjoining university laboratories to academic technologists and approving the procurement of suitable furniture across faculties and departments. You have shown that true leadership is service, and we are proud to call you our friend and defender,” he emphasised.
He pledged the union’s loyalty to the university administration while appreciating the management for allocating land for the project, the national leadership of NAAT, donors and members whose contributions made the initiative possible.
Comrade Babafemi added that when completed, the secretariat would accommodate a professional training hub for laboratory management and safety, a welfare and legal unit, a congress hall and a resource centre documenting the contributions of NAAT to FUOYE.
He urged members to remain committed to the completion of the project.
“This project belongs to all of us. Let us continue to contribute, monitor its progress and pray for its speedy completion,” he advised.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages, Prof. Babatunde Afolabi, congratulated the union on the landmark project and assured members of the university management’s continued support.
“On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, I congratulate you on this groundbreaking event. Every union in this university is valued, and I assure you that the Vice-Chancellor will continue to do more for NAAT. I pray that resources will continue to come your way for the successful completion of this project,” he stated.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of NAAT, Comrade Nwokwoma Ejide, represented by Comrade Babafemi D. Shola, applauded the FUOYE branch for embarking on the project and expressed confidence that it would be completed successfully.
“The South-West Zone is proud of you because FUOYE is always recognised whenever NAAT is mentioned. I encourage you to continue reaching out to individuals and organisations that can support the completion of this project,” he advised.
He also commended Prof. Ogunwole for placing high priority on staff welfare.
“The Vice-Chancellor has demonstrated genuine concern for staff welfare. We encourage him to sustain these good works,” he added.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, the branch chairman, Comrade Benjamin Faleye who was represented by the PRO, Comrade Bamidele Eleniola, described the project as a testament to NAAT’s vision, unity and commitment to institutional development.
“As a sister union, SSANU rejoices with you on this remarkable achievement. We pray that this noble project will be completed successfully, become a centre for productive engagement, and continue to strengthen the ideals of unionism, staff welfare and institutional development” the Chairman SSANU said
Similarly, the National Association of Non-Academic Staff Union,(NASU) represented by its Secretary, Comrade Ayilola Modupe, congratulated the union and expressed optimism about the successful completion of the project.
“NASU is proud of this achievement, and we pray that the project will be completed in no distant time,” she said.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the university registrar, represented by Dr. Dominic Olugbamiye; the Administrative Head of JUPEB, Mrs. Olorunleke; representatives of Hon. Funsho Ayeni and Hon. Stephen Oribamise, traditional rulers, union leaders and other well-wishers from within and outside the university community.
Other NAAT FUOYE Executive included: Vice-Chairman, Comrade Onilearo Titus; Secretary, Comrade Olatunde Timothy; Treasurer, Conrad Lawal Fatimah; Assistance Secretary, Comrade Adeleke Joshua; Fin. Secretary, Comrade Olalere Busayo; P.R.O, Comrade Falade Taiwo; IPC, Comrade Wbioye James; Women Leader, Comrade Olaosebikan Oluwatosin.
Photo credit: Sola Omotoso
