Bill to Create office of Welfare Director Passed for Second Reading
Oluwatosin Adeoye
Honourable Adedeji Gbolahan of the Religious Studies Constituency presented to the Faculty Legislative Council a bill short titled “Establishment of Officers of the Executive Council Amendment Bill” in the 4th Plenary Sitting of the Council held on Friday, 23rd August, 2024.
According to a copy of the bill made available to the press, the bill seeks to amend Chapter Two (2), Article Ten (10), Article Eleven (11) and Chapter Eight (8), Article Forty (40), Article Forty-Three (43) of the Constitution of the Association of Faculty of Arts Students.
The long title of the bill read “Bill for an Act to repeal offices, officers, and duties of Director of Social and Welfare Services and to establish offices, officers, and duties of Director of Social Services and Offices, Officers and Duties of Director of Welfare Services in the Association of Faculty of Arts Students”.
The bill in its explanatory memorandum explained that “the current combined structure of the Office of Social and Welfare services roles has led to inefficiencies and an overburdened workload, hindering the effective delivery of both welfare support and social event organisation. Whereas the separation of these roles will ensure clear accountability and responsibility, allowing members to know exactly who to approach for specific concerns, thus improving communication and resolution of issues.”
The bill which has been previously sent to the FLC WhatsApp Group and Publicly pasted on the FLC notice board as stated by the constitution was adopted for first reading by the house. After a series of deliberations, the Hallowed Chamber considered the Bill for a second reading with a note that Prayer two of the Bill be rephrased as the expression connotes the existing presence of the separated office in the Association already.
During the deliberations, it was agreed that as there is currently no constitutional provision for the Office of the Director of Socials, the Officer should henceforth be addressed and operate as The Director of Social and Welfare Services, but if the Officer refuses the proposition from the house, he should step down because he is serving in an office that is not constitutionally recognised.
