By Emmanuel Edukugho

Overwhelmed by the huge number of candidates seeking admission into the institution yearly, the University of Lagos, (UNILAG) has pleaded with parents to patronize other universities in the country.

Professor Olukayode Amund, Dean of Students Affairs (DSA) told a mammoth gathering at the General Meeting of University of Lagos Parents’ Forum held in the University’s Main Auditorium, last Thursday that they (parents) should send their children/wards to other universities as University of Lagos is not the only one in the country.

“You should patronize other universities so as to reduce the pressure on University of Lagos. Our carrying capacity is 8, 200, but over 100, 000 applicants were screened for admission”.

He said there are several universities which are looking for students to be admitted and parents can send their children to those institutions.

Prof Sofoluwe, VC, UNILAG

Amund wondered why so many parents want to send their children to UNILAG while there are several universities “begging” for students.

In his welcome address, Mr. B.B. Majekodunmi, Chairman, University of Lagos Parents’ Forum, explained that the main purpose of the forum is to foster an alliance among parents, University Authorities and students in order to enhance students performance and also create a conducive environment for learning.

He recalled that the parents forum was established on 2nd of November, 1999, “when the intervention of parents was seen as being essential and in promoting a trouble free university atmosphere”.

Among the issues he listed that the university faced at time included cultism, rape, burglary,armed robbery, insurgency, sexual harassment, harlotry, indiscipline and various anti-social behaviour which robbed the university of an atmosphere conducive to learning.

While he cautioned parents to desist from sending children under 18 years to the university because they are not matured enough for unlimited freedom in tertiary institution, Majekodunmi pledged the willingness of the forum to assist in the areas of accommodation for students and also by way of endowments.

The parents raised some vital issues concerning the administration of the university which the DSA responded to appropriately.

On release of Results: Prof. Amund said parents don’t ask for the results of their children, nor follow up on their progress. That parents do not monitor the students as some of them may spend six (6) years instead of four.

He agreed that the university is not yet fully computerised, but results are released quicker now, moreso that the Vice Chancellor is a Computer Scientist and working towards “paperless administration”.

“Even when the results are out some students go home to say there are no results. Parents can come to the school to verify”, he advised.

On cultism, the DSA said there was a seminar on this issue in which four students came out to renounce cultism openly. It would have been more but for the presence of Deans at the seminar.

“About 99% of students in cultism want to quit. Cultism is synonymous with armedrobbery. There are attempts to get the boys and girls removed. Parents don’t know that their children are in cult. It’s a deadly matter and we are doing something to wipe it out”.

“Initiation is deadly and many can’t come out alive, they are buried in the bush. Check suspicious people who visit our children. Parents are lethargic. It’s a collective responsibility and parents should co-operate”.

In respect of communication, the Dean of Students Affairs told the meeting of parents that Radio UNILAG communicates all activities and operations of the students.

“We hold meetings with student leaders, we communicate with faculty associations, faculties and we do so effectively”.

He affirmed that Matriculation numbers have already been issued to all the students.

A motivational speaker, Pastor Nelson, took the parents through a talk on the need for good parenting.

Former Chairman of the forum, Mrs. Maureen Bakare appealed to parents to take interest in the well being and academic progress of their children, monitor them so as not to derail or imbibe anti-social behaviour.

Awards of excellence for selfless services rendered by the former executives of the University of Lagos Parents’ Forum were bestowed on Mr. Emmanuel Edukugho, a seasoned Journalist who tirelessly projected the image of the forum in the realm of Public Relations, Mr. P.K. Ajibolade, Secretary, Arc. S.O. Daramola, Mr. S.B.O. Ezeonwurie, Treasurer, Dr. H.O. Oseni, Project Planning Co-ordinator, Elder O.O. Olowojebutu, Major-General Emmanuel O. Abisoye (Rtd) Vice Chairman, and Mrs. Maureen F.I. Bakare, Chairman.