By Adesina Quadri Ademola (TAA)
The newly elected President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Comrade Temitope Afolabi, popularly known as BIG AFO, has pledged to lead a transparent, inclusive, and student-centred administration.
In an exclusive interview with Newsbulletin Nigeria correspondent, Adesina Quadri Ademola (TAA), the 41st SUG President shares his vision, plans, and expectations for the new dispensation at MAPOLY.
Q: Congratulations on your emergence as the 41st SUG President of MAPOLY. What should students expect from you as their representative on the management school board?
A: Thank you very much. As the students’ representative on the Management School Board, the students can expect a leadership that is proactive, transparent, and deeply committed to their welfare.
My primary focus will be to ensure that students’ voices are genuinely heard in every decision that affects academic and campus life. We’ll work to strengthen the bridge between the students and the management, promoting dialogue, fairness, and solutions that prioritise students’ needs.
Key areas like academic calendar stability, welfare, learning environment, and policy reviews will receive our active attention. Most importantly, I’ll ensure that no decision is taken about the students without input from the students. Together, we’ll build a more responsive, inclusive, and progressive MAPOLY.
Q: Before your emergence as President, what challenges did you observe that students were facing, and how do you intend to address them during your tenure?
A: One major challenge I noticed was that students’ voices were not always heard when important decisions were made. That created a communication gap and sometimes led to frustration among the student body.
During my tenure, I want to change all that. I’ll work to make communication clearer, push for smoother academic processes, fight for fair treatment, and ensure that students’ concerns are always represented at the top level.
Q: There have been concerns in the past that management sometimes influences student elections. Was your election process free and fair?
A: Yes, the election was free and fair. The management gave every candidate a level playing ground to express their vision and reach out to the students. The outcome truly reflected the will of the students, and I appreciate both the management and the electoral committee for maintaining fairness throughout the process.
It was an election where the students’ voices truly counted, and that alone gives us hope for greater collaboration and understanding moving forward.
Q: What are your top priorities for this administration?
A: My plans for this tenure are focused on improving student welfare, communication, and academic experience. I want to create a stronger connection between students and management so that every student’s voice is heard.
We’ll work on better welfare support, push for smoother academic processes, and organise impactful programmes that promote leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
Above all, my goal is to leave behind an administration that truly represents the students and makes MAPOLY a better place for everyone.
Q: What message do you have for MAPOLY students and the management?
A: To my fellow students, I want to say a big thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to serve. This victory belongs to all of us. I promise to lead with honesty, courage, and commitment to your welfare. Let’s stay united and work together to make MAPOLY better.
To the management, I appreciate your support and cooperation during the election process. I look forward to a stronger partnership built on mutual respect and understanding as we work together for the progress of our great institution.
