“Our Hands Are Clean” — UI’SU Leaders Defend Administration Against Corruption, Misconduct Claims

The University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UI’SU) leadership has come out strongly to defend itself against allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, insisting that all actions taken by the current executive council were in line with the Union’s constitution.

Speaking at the Students’ Congress held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, Students’ Union President, Covenant Odedele, dismissed reports that the Union had secured loans without proper authorization.

“The Union did not borrow any loan,” Odedele declared. “We only received our dues from the school management, sourced from the CBN vault they operate with.”

Odedele used the Congress to present a State of the Union report, highlighting achievements under his administration. These included the reversal of late registration fees, facilitation of the UI Gate–Agbowo road expansion, and hosting of interactive sessions with NELFUND officials to improve access to student loans.

He also pointed to the Union’s role in mediating during the recent strike by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and noted that ₦2 million had been disbursed to 37 financially struggling students. Other projects cited were free food packages during examinations and the first phase of the “Light Up UI” project, which saw solar streetlights installed in dark spots on campus.

The defence from the Union leaders comes on the heels of multiple investigative reports by campus-based media outlets UCJ UI and Indy Press, which alleged that the executive council mishandled Union finances.

According to those reports, a ₦2 million loan was allegedly taken from the Central Bank of Nigeria without the approval of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). The Audit Committee further flagged ₦5.1 million in unexplained transfers to Treasurer Joshua Bioku’s personal account between May and July 2025. These revelations triggered a referral of some executives, including the Treasurer, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, and House Secretary to the Students’ Union Disciplinary Committee.

Addressing the Congress, Treasurer Joshua Bioku defended the transfers into his account, insisting they were constitutional and duly authorised.

“Funds approved by the SRC were collected by the Treasurer into his personal account, as mandated, since he is in charge of disbursement,” he explained.

His remarks were aimed at clarifying Audit Committee findings that labelled the transfers suspicious and lacking documentation.

On the pending disciplinary proceedings, Odedele expressed confidence that his colleagues would be cleared of wrongdoing.

“This is not about corruption, but about a breakdown in communication between the executive and certain SRC committees,” he said, while maintaining faith in the process.

Looking ahead, the Union announced several upcoming projects: the 2025 Students’ Union Week, toilet renovations in halls of residence, the second phase of the “Light Up UI” project, distribution of exam support packages during the second semester, and free transportation for students during the General Studies (GES) examinations.

Odedele reiterated the Union’s commitment to transparency and student welfare.

“The Auspicious Team remains fully committed to the welfare of all UItes,” he affirmed in a joint statement signed with the Union’s Public Relations Officer, Adekanmbi Ezekiel.