Quality, Missed Deadlines Spark Concerns Over AFAS Last Session’s Souvenir
Esther Ilori
A dispute has emerged over the delayed production and delivery of tote bags commissioned to Ms. Olakitan Iyanuoluwa, sparking concerns within team New Era. The contract entrusted to Ms. Olakitan outlined the production of 600 tote bags, with specific deadlines in place to ensure their timely distribution. As part of the agreement, Ms. Olakitan was to deliver the first 300 bags before the end of the last academic session and complete the remaining 300 by the second week of the current semester. However, issues regarding both delivery timing and product quality have led to mounting dissatisfaction within the team.
Abiola Samuel, AFAS General Secretary, provided details on the missed deadlines and partial deliveries. According to him, only 280 bags were delivered as the previous session ended, leaving a shortfall of 20 bags from the initial quota. As of November 7, a total of 250 additional bags had been delivered, with 70 bags still outstanding. Abiola expressed frustration, stating, “The delay has disrupted our distribution plans, and although the producer promised to fulfill the remainder of the order this week, it’s unclear if we can trust these assurances given the past delays.”
The delay, however, is not the only concern raised by Abiola and Team New Era. Quality inconsistencies have become another point of contention. Abiola noted that the bags delivered most recently did not meet the same standards as the initial batch of 280, stating, “The quality of these bags is only fair compared to the first delivery. They are functional but lack the durability and aesthetic appeal of the earlier batch.” When questioned about the variance in quality, Ms. Olakitan attributed the change to an increase in production costs, which she claims limited her ability to maintain the same level of quality.
In response to these concerns, Ms. Olakitan Iyanuoluwa maintained that she had fulfilled her end of the contract by delivering all 600 tote bags, albeit later than anticipated. According to her, the final delivery occurred on November 8, meeting the full quantity requirement of the contract, albeit a semester behind schedule. The delay resulted in the remaining bags, which were expected by the second week of the first semester, only arriving in the first week of the second semester.
The delays and quality concerns have sparked broader discussions within Team New Era about project management and contract enforcement. Abiola and other executives have expressed the importance of reliability and consistency, especially in a project that directly affects student engagement and satisfaction. “We rely on our partners to uphold their commitments,” Abiola stated. “When they don’t, it undermines our ability to serve the community effectively.”
Moreover, the impact of these issues has not gone unnoticed among the student body. The tote bags were intended to be part of a welcome package for students, and the delay has prevented them from receiving these items on time. For some students, the tote bags are not merely functional but also serve as a symbol of community and inclusion, adding to the dissatisfaction around the delays.
Recognizing the need to avoid similar issues in the future, Abiola revealed that Team New Era has already begun implementing strategies to ensure timely production and delivery of this semester’s packages. “Plans are in motion to oversee every step of the production and distribution process, and we’re looking into working with alternative producers who have a track record of reliable delivery and consistent quality,” he stated. He also mentioned that more stringent clauses would likely be included in future contracts to protect the interests of the team and ensure accountability from service providers.
Looking ahead, Team New Era aims to establish a more rigorous vetting process for vendors and contractors, focusing on reliability and quality assurance. The tote bag delivery dispute has underscored the importance of these criteria in maintaining the team’s credibility and fulfilling promises to the student community. By addressing these logistical and quality control issues, the executives hopes to restore confidence among students and prevent similar controversies in the future.
In conclusion, while Ms. Olakitan Iyanuoluwa claims to have met the contract requirements, albeit late, the discrepancies in quality and timing have left the executives e-evaluating their vendor selection and contract management practices. The team remains committed to finding solutions and ensuring that future projects meet both the expected standards and timelines, reaffirming their dedication to serving the student body effectively and consistently.
