FUTA Student Union Leaders Encouraged to Embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
During a retreat for Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Student Union leaders held from February 29th to March 2nd, 2024, experts emphasized the importance of dialogue and conciliation in conflict resolution within the university community.
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The retreat, which took place in Igbara Oke, Ondo State, saw participants being urged to eschew confrontational approaches and instead prioritize mediation and negotiation in addressing conflicts with both internal and external stakeholders, including university management.
Pastor Bayode Adaramola, the keynote speaker at the event, emphasized the need for participatory and digital leadership strategies, highlighting their effectiveness in fostering solutions-oriented approaches. Adaramola stressed the importance of efficiency, effectiveness, and proactive resolution of issues to prevent crises within the institution. He called on student leaders to embrace social responsibility, technological innovations, and cost-saving measures to enhance the university's performance.
Adaramola, who also serves as a lawyer, underscored the significance of adapting leadership styles to current realities, particularly during critical periods in the nation and the university's history. He urged student leaders to adopt participatory leadership styles, emphasizing collaboration and rapport-building within their teams.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji commended the retreat and reiterated the administration's commitment to collaborating with student leaders in advancing FUTA's vision of becoming a world-class university of technology. She emphasized the pivotal role of student leaders in advocating for a conducive learning environment and promoting the positive image of the university through responsible use of information and communication technology (ICT).
Professor David Oke, the Dean of Student Affairs, highlighted the vital role of student leaders in shaping the future of the university. He emphasized the need for capacity building to equip student leaders with the skills necessary for effective leadership in today's rapidly changing world.
President of the Student Union, Oluwsoromidayo Olayemi, expressed appreciation for the retreat, describing it as timely and enlightening. He emphasized the positive impact of the retreat on enhancing the capacity of student leaders to collaborate effectively with university management in addressing students' concerns and issues.
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Overall, the retreat served as a platform for student leaders to gain valuable insights into alternative dispute resolution techniques and to strengthen their leadership skills for the betterment of the FUTA community.
