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| AAUASU Presidential Aspirant - Comr. Micheal Dotun (Wolimike) |
Unionism is pictured as one of the best Platforms to groom future Political Leaders; especially Students' Unionism. Daily News Report had an interview with one of the Students' Union Presidential Aspirants of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akugba-Akoko, Ondo State, South-West Nigeria - Hon. Comr. Micheal Dotun, popularly known on Campus as "Wolimike". The interview was to know why he chooses to contest for the AAUA top seat and his plans for the Students.
Wolimike is a 300 level Student of the Mathematical Science Department, Faculty of Science; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akugba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
According to him, he said he chooses to contest for AAUASU President because he has the interest of the Students at his heart.
"...it is very imperative for student to elect a candidate that understands their interest and who is committed to protect the interest too.
"This is the reason I have offered myself to serve in the position of the president, " he added.
On why he showed his interest to contest at late hours, coupled with the campaign task, he said he believed he made the right decision. Though, he affirmed it was a sudden decision to take, which has taken many Students aback. "Yes, it was actually sudden and took many by surprise.
But i believe I made the right move.
"At times individuals just have to rise up to the occasion.
"As regards campaign, it has been going well, though there are challenges but the drive and passion keep me going, " he said.
The Presidential Aspirant also said he has a higher chance of winning the Election, adding that he never at any point in time think of stepping down. He however explained that the Election and lots of factors will determine the outcome, adding that with his massive Campaign, he has a great chance of winning.
He affirmed thus: "I have never conceived stepping down. Big respect to other candidates, but this is a race that each of us want to win.
"I remain resolute in my intention to serve AAUA students."
Comrade Wolimike took us down memory lane of his Political journey, he said, "As the former PRO of Mathematics department, I was able to carry out my constitutional duty of desseminating undiluted information at appropriate time and also in helping to protect and expand the good image of the department.
"As a honourable member in the Science parliamentary house, I have and raised motion and ideas that has brought about development in the association. I have moved motion that has influence academics and sports in the faculty of science."
To the top of the questions where he explained his plans for Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akugba-Akoko, Ondo State; if elected President; he codenamed his plans to cover: Grassroot Stakeholders, Academics, Security, Skill Acquisition Program, Transportation, among others.
He explained, "We are going to build a government on the council of stakeholders across all the faculties, the aim and objective is to bridge the gap between the union and members, and also to dialogue on issues relating to students interest and propose likely solutions to the challenges facing students.
"Academics: is a major priority as this is one thing that unite all students. We will engage the management in making sure that Public address systems (PAS) is made available in the big lecturer theaters. This will help in effective communication from the lectures to the students during lecture periods.
Effective tutorial across all faculties alongside provision of materials to aid academic performance of AAUA students.
"Security: Security and safety are results of collective consensus and public investment. We owe every student of AAUA a life free of violence and fear. The union will work alongside with the school security unit and law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security on and off campus. There is need for regular and random patrol in the AAUA community, as this will help in safeguarding the students and their properties.
"Skill acquisition program: There is need for the students union to give to it's members value that will make the relevant to themselves and the society. We will consider Digital skill acquisition where students have opportunity to learn and master their skill.
As we all know that world is going digital, there is need for every student of AAUA to develop skill that will make them relevant in this global and digital age.
"As an ambassador of a digital institute, I intend to use this as leverage for the benefit of my fellow AAUAites.
"We will also address the issue of transportation in the school campus.
Nigerian students should no longer go through the riggors before getting to their lecture venue. All of this and many more are my plans for AAUA students.
"I intend to serve AAUA students in the best way possible and also agitate for our right."
Other areas he intend to work on include: agitation for more boreholes for the School hostels, provision of more School Shuttles at affordable rates, Stable Electricity through dialogue with the Electricity Agency, among others.
While highlighting his plans, he said he believed he has the required skill for effectiveness of such plans. "I possess a good listen skill, human relationship skill, communication skill, decision and problem solving skill, coupled with emotional intelligence. All of these have shaped me up even in a time like this that everyone crave for a good leader," he added.
Explaining further, he said he has taken parts in many struggles in the School, adding that the right of the Students is his top priority and he will carry out his duty diplomatically.
The name - "Wolimike" is a name that rings bell to students in AAUA, particularly those he used to take tutorials on regularly basis, hence, when asked if he will stop taking tutorials should he emerged as President, he said, "Being a president doesn't stop me from impacting Nigerian student in the area of academics. I will gladly help in tutorials.
"Yes, I will take tutorials. It's just about time management."
The Aspirant also commended the work of the incumbent Union Leaders, adding that he intend to do better should he emerged President.
"To my fellow AAUAites, the fate of our dear nation and that of our dear institution will be decided soon, and there is need for us to choose right. This is a function of voting the right Leader....
"I assure every AAUA students a 'servant leadership scheme' geared towards to the interest of the students in the best way possible," he assured.
The AAUA Students' Union Government Election is expected to come up early next semester, and Political Campaigns are at the top gear; with other presidential Aspirants - INEC and Francophone still in the race.