Oluseun Fatope
The newly elected Executive Council of the Students’ Historical Society of Nigeria (SHSN), University of Ibadan, was officially inaugurated today in a ceremony held at the Departmental Library.
The inauguration was conducted by Dr. Ayo Abolorunde, the Society’s Staff Adviser, alongside Mr. Olawale Yemisi.
In his remarks, Dr. Ayo congratulated the newly inaugurated executives and urged them to approach their responsibilities with dedication, discipline, and unity. He advised members of the council to avoid internal conflicts and to always prioritise dialogue and mutual understanding whenever disagreements arise, noting that effective leadership requires emotional maturity and collective responsibility.
He also stressed the importance of democratic accountability in the society’s decision-making process. He advised that major decisions affecting the society should always be presented before Congress, except those that fall strictly within the constitutional powers of the Executive Council. He noted that involving Congress in key decisions would strengthen transparency and significantly reduce disputes within the society.
Similarly, Mr. Yemisi emphasised the importance of communication in sustaining a successful administration. He charged the executives to ensure that they do not become a barrier between the departmental management and the student body. According to him, the Executive Council must serve as a bridge that facilitates clear and effective communication.
During the engagement, the newly inaugurated President, Akinsumbo Gbadamosi expressed appreciation to the Staff Adviser for his longstanding support and commitment to the growth of the society. He also raised concerns identified during consultations with students, particularly the issue of limited access to the department’s studio despite students paying for its use. Responding to the concern, Dr. Ayo assured the executives that the matter would be presented to the department management and that appropriate solutions would be pursued.
At the time of inauguration, the Executive Council was yet to be fully constituted, as the office of the Vice President remains vacant.
The newly inaugurated council is expected to steer the affairs of the society and represent the interests of history students in the department.
