MINUTES OF THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (REC) MEETING HELD ON THE 26TH OF MAY, 2025
Time Started: 11:20 AM
Opening Prayer: Led by Omoyajowo Testimony
The meeting commenced at 11:20 AM with Omoyajowo Testimony leading the opening prayer. The Regional Director apologized for the late start and proceeded with the opening address, recognizing the Regional Director, other executives, and members of the REC. He read out the agenda of the meeting.
A motion for the adoption of the agenda was moved by Abdusalam Balogun (NASELS UI) and seconded by Abdulquyyum Lawal.
The Secretary-General read the minutes of the last REC meeting. A motion for the adoption of the minutes was moved by Comr. Lawal and seconded by Comr. Adeosun Faith. There were no amendments or objections to the minutes.
Matters Arising
The Regional Director addressed the postponement of the game tournament initially promised for December, citing low turnout as the cause. He also reported that Periscope has been published once since the last meeting, with another edition currently in production. Financial challenges were noted, attributed to non-payment of regional dues by several chapters. The Regional Director urged all chapters to settle their dues promptly.
State of the Region
Chapter Reports
University of Ibadan (UI):
Reported by Afolabi Gloria. Elections and inauguration were successfully conducted. New students were welcomed with a virtual orientation and a physical meet-up. Committees have been set up for smooth administration, with no significant issues reported.
University of Lagos (UNILAG):
Reported by Victor. Due to virtual resumption, administration faced setbacks. However, physical exams allowed onboarding of freshers and the hosting of a literary event. Upcoming plans include an interdepartmental event, webinar, and workshop. Next session is expected to resume fully physically.
Lagos State University (LASU):
Reported by Comr. Obala Samuel. A smooth election and handover were conducted. Freshers were integrated with a successful talk show and information dissemination. Initiatives included free course registration and venue checkouts. Ramadan activities were organized. Despite initial challenges with departmental policies, relations have improved.
Representatives from other Chapters:
Comr. Olaoluwa reported on a colloquium and a successful Freshers' Week.
Comr. Owolabi (AAUA) highlighted challenges regarding departmental interference in association affairs.
Discussions ensued, with suggestions on establishing independent funding sources and building trust with departmental authorities.
Comr. Felix (FUOYE) reported initiatives including an online conference, a week-long orientation, CBT exam preparation, and the establishment of a departmental library. Financial challenges persist, but relations with the department have been supportive.
Comr. Durodola Oluwasemilore (EKSU) reported a newly commenced administration, focusing on tutorials for ongoing and upcoming examinations.
Comr. Adetoun Adedayo (JABU) reported on the successful freshers' orientation and plans for the departmental week, while citing financial constraints.
WESTCOSELS
The Regional Director reported that two chapters bid to host WESTCOSELS, with UNILAG eventually selected due to accommodation feasibility.
Conference Outline:
Cultural events, academic programmes, keynote lectures, workshops, round-table discussions, career talks, and alumni gatherings.
Essay and quiz competitions, poetry slam, spoken word performances, excursions, and cultural day.
Introduction of “A Letter to My Future Self” initiative and possible color codes for chapters.
Financial Plan:
Proposed delegate fee: ₦25,000.
Accommodation: Hostel with AC and 24-hour power supply, two persons per room.
Meals: Delegates to cater for themselves, except for a formal dinner.
Conference Duration: Four days (Sunday to Thursday), June 22–26, 2025.
Concerns and Suggestions:
Comr. Gloria sought clarity on feeding, accommodation, and activities relative to the delegate fee.
Comr. Egundeyi suggested reducing the delegate fee to ₦15,000.
Comr. John Patrick requested a detailed budget to justify the proposed fees and suggested dividing total costs by the number of delegates.
The Regional Director explained the cost breakdown and stated that sponsorships would be sourced to cover additional expenses.
Comr. Israel Opeyemi suggested cost-cutting measures, including using canopies instead of halls, and liaising with bus coordinators for transport subsidies.
Assurance was given regarding the quality of accommodation.
It was agreed that a full, detailed budget would be presented at the next meeting. A motion to adjourn the WESTCOSELS discussion to the next REC meeting (scheduled for next Saturday) was moved by the Regional Director and seconded by Comr. Owolabi.
Report from the 7-Man Investigative Committee
Comr. Victor presented the committee's findings regarding the suspended Director of Sports, who was charged with:
Following the suspension of the 12th Director of Sports, NASELS Southwest on April 11, 2025, a seven-man disciplinary committee was created to investigate the issue that led to the suspension. The committee was created on April 18, 2025. Immediately after the committee was announced to the Regional Executive Council, a meeting was held to investigate, verify, interpret, and discuss the nature of the evidence provided on the case. At the meeting, the committee had a resolution to invite the accused party for interrogation. Sequel to this, an invite, signed by the committee, was sent to the Director of Sports on April 21, 2025 (at exactly 10:54AM), to report to the committee for questioning within 48 hours. Interestingly, the Director of Sports’ response to the invite was just a question mark (?). This act displayed by the Director of Sports shows disregard and disrespect to the regional body as well as her bye-law.
INVESTIGATION BACKGROUND
The case started off with the 12th Regional Director asking for update on task given to the 12th Regional Director of Sports to carry out. This request was made on the official group of the 12th Regional Executives, although with a contact other than the Regional Director’s known contact. Following the Regional Director’s request on the group, the Director of Sports responded with first, a derogatory question, “are you stupid, what do you mean am I just going to collect their money?”, then a derogatory statement “...you're being slow.” Other executive members cautioned the Director of Sports on his use of words and informed him of the identity of the unknown contact. He neglected the caution and shunned one of the executives. After about 20 minutes of his knowledge of the real identity of the contact, he responded thus: “I’m sorry for Addressing(@the contact) as “stupid”. This follows a demand for an official apology which the Director of Sport did not tender till he was suspended.
ALLEGATIONS MADE
The following are the charges levied against Comrade Ilesanmi, Damilola Emmanuel according to NASELS Southwest Bye-law, Article 9, Section 2, Sub-sections C, I, and M. He is charged for:
• Using abusive expression during an official conversation;
• Disrespecting the provisions of the Bye-law and constituted authorities;
• Committing an act considered an offence by the Regional Executive Council.
Comr. Abdul-Azeez suggested adopting the committee’s recommendation.
Comr. Abdul-Warris proposed giving the accused a chance to apologize formally.
Comr. Aderewa Kauzat supported the adoption of the recommendation.
After deliberations and voting, it was decided that a formal memo be sent to the Director of Sports regarding his removal.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting till next Saturday was moved by Eben and seconded by Israel Opeyemi.
Closing Prayer: Led by Owolabi.
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