DETAILS: AFAS FLC Approves Reports, Suspends Vice President and General Secretary, Dissolves Stakeholders Platform, and Other Major Highlights from the Sitting

By: Seyifunmi Adeboye and Tee-narh

The Faculty Legislative Council (FLC) of the Association of Faculty of Arts Students (AFAS) convened on Friday, September 19th, 2025, for its first physical sitting in the second semester. Notably, the sitting commenced at 3:28 p.m. with over 15 members after a light delay in accessing the venue. Once seated, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Inioluwa opened proceedings with a welcome address, reading of minutes, and a reminder that the last emergency sitting was held online to address ID card issues.

The President Delivers the State of the Association Report

AFAS President, Abiola Samuel, presented a comprehensive update on the state of the association, coupled with the activities of the executive members. He highlighted the inauguration of executives in March, 2025, the execution of the freshers’ week, and the interactive sessions with fresh students, etc. Other initiatives include the classroom labelling for easier navigation, a concert collaboration with Spyro (an alumnus and musician) featuring gifts, cash prizes, and scholarships, the establishment of the AFAS help desk committee, partnerships with brands such as Lush Hair and Jobberman, and the Dean-led inspections of facilities including the LLT and toilets. He also announced infrastructural efforts, such as the installation of a solar inverter at the LLT and the sewage drainage for the utilisation of the male restrooms.

House Dissolves Stakeholders Group

Tensions arose over the creation of an online platform for the association’s stakeholders, as members questioned the exclusion of some FLC officers, especially the FLC Speaker. Also, the Chief Whip, Hon. Akanji Abdulazeez, queried the creation of a WhatsApp group for AFAS stakeholders without the Council’s approval. In response, the president admitted and apologised for the oversight. However, following debates, the House resolved to dissolve the group and further directed the executive council to constitute a new one, this time including all FLC officers.

The Executive Council Gives Individual Report

The absence of the Vice President, Favour Vincent, the General Secretary, Adeyefa Ebenezer and the Treasurer, Muhammed Okunola, stirred concerns during the sitting. The general secretary excused himself via a letter citing his brother’s wedding while he also included the treasurer’s absence “for personal reasons”; all on the association’s letterhead.

Honourable members condemned the practice, with Hon. Lawal stressing each executive must account individually. In support, the speaker criticised the misuse of the official letterhead by the executive members. Sadly, the Vice president failed to send any notice at all.

Despite absence, reports followed from other executives. The Assistant General Secretary, Olayode Ayorinde, outlined plans for tutorials and a communication platform for course reps. When asked about the selection of his night-reading committee who were previously accused of rudeness, he explained it was based on a Google form circulated to volunteers. Honourable members urged him to scrutinise and guide the committee.

Going forward, the Financial Secretary, Okunola Abigail, reported ₦3,273,210.79 in the association’s account, with dues paid by 743 students, mostly freshers. She, however, admitted not knowing the total student population, which the president clarified exceeds 2,000. In addition, The Director of Information and Publicity, Olawale Rofiat, reported the AFAS TV earnings amounting to ₦36,500, while the Sports Director shared updates on matches and advised all departments to ensure players settle their dues.

House Suspends the Vice President and the General Secretary Over Unaccountability.

The Audit Committee, led by Hon. Ola Samuel, confirmed that the President, Abiola Samuel, the Assistant General Secretary, Olayode Ayorinde, the Director of Information and Publicity, Olawale Rofiat, the Director of Sports, Omoyengue Elijah, and the Financial Secretary, Okunola Abigail, are not guilty of financial misconduct, as all documents were intact.

After prolonged debate and due to the absence of the vice president and the general secretary at the Audit Committee arranged meeting, the House voted in support to suspend the vice president and general secretary until they appear before the council.

Bills and Motions

Hon. Lawal also presented the FLC Membership Amendment Bill 2024, proposing that 100-level students be included in the council. After heated debate, members agreed on a four-week amendment process and formed a Bill Committee chaired by Hon. Ola Samuel, with Hon. Abdullah, from AIS constituency, as secretary.

Empty Seats Demands New Members

Notably, vacancies were declared for the 300 and 400-level seats from the Theatre Arts constituency, and the 400-level Religious Studies seat, in the legislative council.

Others…

The President briefed the House on upcoming events, including the Dean’s Cup, AFAS Week (featuring pageantry, gyration, and games night), the association Dinner, and Finalists’ Week.

Also, the House approved a sum of ₦18,000 to purchase a new soccer ball for the Linguistics Students Association.

The sitting ended at 9:09 p.m. following a motion for adjournment moved at 9:06 p.m.