By Samuel Ogude
The office of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, is not just a title but the collective voice, strength, and identity of the entire student community. This was made known in a statement signed by FUPRE SUG President,Comrade Edemakiota Etiosa Oghenemaro on behalf of the body and made available to newsmen on Sunday. According to the statement, the body operates as a mini-government within the university, structured with elected officials such as the President, Vice President, Secretary, Directors, and Representatives across various departments.
According to statement, the responsibilities of the organization are to serve as the voice of every student, irrespective of background or level; act as a bridge between the student body and the school management; ensure effective communication, negotiation, and understanding; organize academic, welfare, and socio-cultural programmes that foster growth and unity and promote leadership, discipline, and positive representation of students both within and outside the campus.
According to the statement, the body is also responsible by collaborating with the university management and relevant organizations in executing projects that improve students’ welfare; provide practical leadership exposure, prepare student leaders to understand how governance truly works ahead of future responsibilities and of course to speak out boldly whenever the needs or rights of students are not being met. Part of the statement reads: “The SUG is not just an office or a title it is the collective voice, strength, and identity of the entire student community. It operates as a mini-government within the university, structured with elected officials such as the President, Vice President, Secretary, Directors, and Representatives across various departments”.
The statement further said, the vision of the body is to build a vibrant, inclusive, and student-centered union that champions academic excellence, welfare, innovation, and unity ensuring that every student has a voice and a chance to thrive, while the mission. The statement added that the mission is to serve as a transparent and proactive link between the students and the administration; defend the rights, interests, and welfare of all students without bias; promote intellectual growth and leadership development through purposeful initiatives; ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information for informed decision-making and of course to uphold unity, accountability, and progress in all SUG operations.
On the structure of the SUG, the statement said, it has Executive Arm which of course, the administrative engine of the Union that handles decision implementation; student affairs, and daily operations. According to the statement, the body is led by President alongside the Vice President, Secretary, and Directors (Welfare, Information, Socials, among others) to ensure that policies and programmes are executed effectively.
According to statement, while the Legislative Arm- student Representative Council (SRC) is the law making body of the Union as it has Representatives from departments and faculties that debate motions, approve budgets, and provide checks and balances on the executive, the Judicial Arm of the Union is the legal backbone of the Union. This organ is headed by the Chief Judge, and interprets the SUG constitution, settles disputes, and ensures discipline within the student community.
The statement added that student Congress is the highest decision-making body that comprise all registered students of the institution as it represents the ultimate democratic authority of the Union and influences major policies and directions through collective resolutions. Part of the statement reads:” Student Congress- the highest decision-making body comprising all registered students of the institution. It represents the ultimate democratic authority of the Union and influences major policies and directions through collective resolutions”.
The statement further said, while President promised to remain committed to service, accountability, and courageous leadership of the Union, it said, SUG is not a selected group of individuals in office but the entire student body as the strength of the body is based on collective participation, co-operation and unity of one and all.