"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
— Abraham Lincoln
As your valediction draws nigh, I am compelled to write to you as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex and umbrella body representing millions of Nigerian students both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. I write not just as the NANS President but also as a critical stakeholder in the education sector and nation-building at large.
Since my days in office as the Vice President, External Affairs of NANS, to my time in office as the Senate President and now President, I monitored your activities as the Vice-Chancellor of the great University of Ibadan. On purpose, I waited until this moment, when you are leaving office, to address your infamous rule. Why? Because, unlike you, who was intoxicated by power, I am not oblivious to the fact that power is transient. Now that you are leaving office, it is time for your deeds to catch up with you.
As I reflect on your infamous rule, I do not seem to find the best words to describe your level of narcissism. However, if there is one thing you proved in office, it is the fact that you are not to be trusted with power. Lo, you have proven beyond doubt to be a tyrant, an unrepentant oppressor, and a callous administrator.
I know for a fact that when you eventually read this statement, you will be imprisoned by your own conscience, which will continually strike you for choosing the path of oppression. I am certain that, now that your future and subsequent pursuits are hinged on your infamous rule as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, you are already full of regrets.
In your role as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, an administrative position where your character was tested with power, you ruled with oppression. Your infamous tenure was characterized by anti-student policies, many of which subjected students to hardship, strained them beyond their limits, and made learning frustrating for them.
Worst of all, the most terrifying part of your rule is that whenever students rose to fight for their rights, you went out of your way, as a narcissist and an unrepentant oppressor, to intimidate, suspend, and ultimately expel them. You did the unimaginable, punishing student leaders who sought better welfare for students. The height of it all was that you ultimately silenced the Students' Union and made it appear like a dog that can only bark but not bite. Oh, how terrible your rule was.
As if all of that were not enough, your tenure has also been marred by controversies and several allegations of corruption. In the foregoing, on behalf of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I call on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the tenure of Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
Going forward, be informed that you have lost the trust of Nigerian students, a significant proportion of the country's population, accounting for more than 19%. Be informed that, following your tenure, if you are nominated for any position in this country, Nigerian students will mobilize massively against you.
Now that the ride has finally come to an end, and Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale now faces the reality that all eras come to an end and must now wander in the wilderness of his infamous tenure, I hope other Vice-Chancellors will see him as a deterrent and choose to uphold integrity in society.
To the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, we congratulate you on this remarkable milestone and wish you a successful tenure.
We hope that you will not toe the path of your predecessor and that you will champion the liberation of students. Furthermore, we enjoin you to be prudent in all your dealings, be student-friendly, and ensure improved welfare and a better academic environment for students.
As the President of NANS, I remain committed to excellence, the advancement of Nigerian students, and the overall well-being of Nigerian students. I will continue to speak out for the oppressed, every student, and student leaders who are facing injustice from authorities.
Signed:
Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
Thanks “Baba tee”
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, is currently facing serious challenges resulting from policies that have negatively affected students. The university has continued to deny students the opportunity to operate a functional students' union, citing the reason that the institution is still new.
Students are experiencing severe hardship as funds belonging to them, including NELFUND upkeep allowances and some scholarship payments, remain withheld under a policy described as "No More Refunding." Consequently, many students are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs, including feeding.
We respectfully appeal to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), under your leadership, to kindly investigate and intervene in this matter to protect the welfare and rights of students.
Thank you in anticipation of your prompt intervention.
Aluta Continua! ✊🏼 Victoria Ascerta! ✊🏼
At Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, Bauchi State, Our Funds are held including NELFUND Fees and other Scholarships under new Policy of "NO MORE REFUNDING". We are suffering and they refused to let Unions stand to fight for our Right. Please Intervene NANS
Please we want NANS to Intervene.
Aluta Continue.
Comr. Babtee (President NANS)
With due respect sir we students at Federal University of Health Sciences Azare we need your maximum intervention concerning the issue of refunding and students union in our university actually we were ruled like prisoners we don't have any students right our VC is ruling an autocratic leadership in our university.
Need your intervention and we hope our request will be considered.
Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta.