A member of the Kwara state House of Assembly, representing Owode/Onire constituency, Asa local government area of the state, Hon. Rukayat Shittu has lauded the management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for establishing a students welfare board to address needs and overall well-being of students.
The board is led by the Vice Chancellor of the NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters.
In a statement, she described the establishment of the board as a major milestone in the university’s efforts to enhance students’ experience.
The lawmaker commended the board’s first major action, which she said was the formal recognition and adoption of the Congress of NOUN Students (CONS), a national student association founded at the Ilorin Study Centre.
“The adoption of CONS is widely seen as long overdue, given its pivotal role in promoting student welfare and leadership within the university community.
“I am proud to associate with this forward-looking initiative,” she said. “When I was invited to the school after my victory at the poll in 2023, I shared with the university the impact of CONS in training and shaping my perception about leadership. I encouraged them to see CONS as their baby that ought to be embraced rather than cast aside. It is gratifying to see this vision materialize”.
Hon. Shittu also recognized the contribution of CONS’s founding leader, Ambassador Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who is currently the Executive Director of the peacebuilding think tank Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro).
She applauded the dedication of the current CONS leadership under Comrade Newland, as well as the efforts of previous leaders including Lurd Bouch, Comrade Shakirudeen, Comrade Tijani, and Comrade Pelumi for sustaining the organization over the years.
“Their capacity for leadership, organizational strength, discipline, and persistence have kept the Congress alive and relevant. It is a testament to the strength of student leadership at NOUN,” she added.
In addition to commending the adoption of CONS, Hon. Shittu made a passionate appeal to the university management to pardon expelled CONS leaders and issue them their certificates, describing them as “heroes whose selfless sacrifices and commitment to the betterment of NOUN have inspired countless students.”
“This is an opportunity to heal from past misgivings and forge a united path forward. Honoring them will set the foundation for a new beginning, where collective progress and unity will define the future of our great institution,” she concluded.
The adoption of CONS and the creation of the Student Welfare Board are expected to strengthen student representation and engagement within NOUN, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive academic community.
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