Lois Adeoye

The Faculty of Art, Faculty Legislative Council (FLC) held its second plenary session on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Faculty of Arts New building to address the first reading of the amendment bill, approval of the freshers’ orientation week budget, and the budget for the office of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk.

The sitting, which had in attendance Honourables from various constituencies in the Faculty, commenced at 3:16pm, and was presided over by the Speaker of the house, Honorable Olajide Miqdad who gave an opening prayer. With 30 people in attendance, the Deputy Clerk proceeded to read the minutes of the last sitting.

Following the inauguration of three new honourable members, a motion was moved by Honourable Lawal from the English Constituency for the reading of the bill presented to the house and was seconded by Honourable Oyindamola. Honorable Olufemi from the Linguistics and African Studies constituency proceeded to read the bill for an act to amend the membership of the FLC in AFAS to the House. The bill, comprising two clauses, proposes that the Faculty Legislative Council be composed of four elected representatives from each department, with the condition that the four members representing each department must be from different academic levels.

The House fiercely deliberated upon the bill as Honorable Akanji argued against the bill, citing concerns that the inclusion of 100-level students in the faculty legislative council would have a negative impact on the student’s academics. However, the Speaker was of a different opinion, “100 level students are also financial members of the faculty; therefore, they should not be denied fair representation”, he stated.

Honorable Olufemi also voiced his strong support for the proposed bill, arguing that the early introduction of freshmen to the decision-making body of the faculty will provide them with a unique opportunity to learn, make mistakes, and correct them as they develop. He emphasized that this early exposure will equip them with valuable experience. Following a back-and-forth deliberation in the sitting, Honourable Raji called the house to order by stating that there would be room for further deliberation during the second and third readings, thereby, Honourable Daniel Yeboah adopted the first reading of the amendments of the constitution, seconded by Honourable Bisi.

Progressively, the proposed budget for the principal officers was presented to the house by the Clerk. The Speaker called the notice of the house that the budget was mainly for the office of the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk. Following thorough discussion, the House approved the sum of #42,270 for the office of the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk.

Following the approval of the budget for the principal offices, was the Freshers’ Orientation Week Budget. The Social Director of the association, Mr. Awosemo Praise, was summoned to present the adjusted budget to the house. Drama ensued as the Speaker noticed that the signature of the President was not appended to the proposed budget, with this, the President of the association was summoned to state the reason for his action. The President, Mr. Mojuba Olamilekan, expressed his disappointment and discontent with the proposed budget, which in his opinion, inexplicably omitted the orientation program while prioritizing gyration and variety night. He pointed out that the orientation program has already secured sponsorship and should be included in the orientation week budget, emphasizing its importance and value to the students. The Social Director, on the other hand, suggested that the orientation program is no longer needed, given that the students have already participated in multiple orientation sessions.

In response to the President’s and Social Director’s remarks, the Honorable Speaker expressed disappointment and frustration over the lack of unity and cooperation among the Executive Council members. The Speaker proposed a compromise: scrapping the gyration event and prioritizing the orientation program instead. However, Honourable Divine intervened, drawing attention to the fact that the gyration event’s flyers had already been circulated, and canceling it now would place the Faculty in a bad light. The Speaker, on the other hand, remained resolute, asserting that the House will not be placed under pressure to alter its stance and will maintain its position on the proposed compromise. At this point, the Social Director unexpectedly volunteered to cover the costs of the gyration event, amounting to ₦145,000 and then left the sitting. 

Following this incident, the Speaker apologised on the Social Director’s behalf and commended his sacrifice and selfless act. Succeeding the sudden resolution of the gyration costs and the readmission of the Social Director into the House, the meeting was able to proceed smoothly, leading to the successful approval of the subsequent budget:

– Gyration ₦145,000 sponsored by Switch Initiative (Social Director)

– Variety Night ₦251,400 

– Orientation program #18,000 was approved by the house with sponsorship of ₦50,000.

Bringing the sitting to a close, the Speaker directed the Social Director to present a detailed budget including the three events to the office of the Clerk on Monday. Honorable Daniel Yeboah then moved the motion for the approval of the sum of ₦269,400 for the freshers’ week excluding light refreshments, certificate, and gyration which has been sponsored.

With all matters resolved, the sitting was adjourned at 9:53 pm.