"WE'RE TAKING PROACTIVE STEPS TO RESTORE OUR LECTURE SPACES TO STANDADRD." - BEWAJI AMOS, PRESIDENT OF FACULTY OF ARTS, OAU.
Amos Olatunde Bewaji (Kizer), a 400-level Philosophy student and President of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, in an interview with NCB’s Mercy Ojegbola, shares the top priorities, vision, and goals of his team for the tenure.
NCB: Your team tag, "Lumora," is quite intriguing. What does it mean, and how does it capture the goals and vision of the administration ??
Amos: The name Lumora is actually coined from the idea of light, and it symbolizes a futuristic and purposeful era, one that aligns perfectly with the vision of the Aurora Agenda. The concept of light represents clarity, direction, and renewal, which are the guiding principles of this administration.
We see ourselves as bearers of light, bringing illumination to grey areas within the faculty and driving a sense of progress and unity among students. So, Team Lumora is not just a name. It is a reflection of our commitment to lead with vision, purpose, and positive transformation.
NCB: The AURORA agenda, can you discuss more about that and its vision for the faculty in clearer terms?
Amos: The Aurora Agenda represents a new dawn for the Faculty of Arts, one defined by purposeful leadership, inclusiveness, and innovation. Just as the aurora signifies the first light that breaks through the darkness, our vision is to usher in a refreshing era of progress, collaboration, and student-centered governance.
At the heart of the Aurora Agenda is the drive to strengthen unity among all departments, ensure transparency in administration, and create more opportunities for academic, social, and intellectual growth. We aim to make the faculty not just a space for learning but also a community where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. In simpler terms, the Aurora Agenda is about lighting up the faculty with ideas, initiatives, and leadership that truly reflect the strength and brilliance of every student in the Faculty of Arts.
NCB: You once served as the general secretary of your department. What motivated you to run for the presidency at Faculty and not the departmental level?
Amos: Serving as the General Secretary of my department gave me firsthand experience of leadership and the workings of student administration. It also helped me understand the challenges students face and the importance of having visionary leadership that transcends departmental boundaries. What motivated me to run for the Faculty Presidency was the desire to contribute on a larger scale to create a more connected and progressive Faculty of Arts where every department feels represented and involved.
I believe leadership is about impact, and at the faculty level, I saw an opportunity to influence broader policies, foster unity among departments, and drive initiatives that would benefit all students collectively. So, it was not just about holding a higher office but about expanding the scope of service, building bridges across departments, and advancing the common good of the entire Faculty of Arts.
NCB: You talked about inclusivity. What specific ways do you plan to reach out to departments beyond the occasional event or faculty-wide memo?
Amos: Thank you for that question. Inclusivity for us goes beyond organizing events or sending out faculty-wide messages. It’s about genuine engagement and consistent collaboration. I’m currently in good relationship with the Faculty Advisory Committee and have been in active discussions with the departmental presidents, even before my inauguration. Together, we’ve been mapping out strategies to ensure that every department feels connected to the faculty’s vision and activities.
We are building a structure that allows for regular dialogue, joint initiatives, and shared decision-making so that every department’s voice is heard and valued. The goal is to create a system where inclusivity is not just mentioned but practised, where no department feels left out, and where the Faculty of Arts truly functions as one united body.
NCB: What are the top 3 changes or improvements Fasaites should look forward to during the Lumora tenure?
Amos: Under the Lumora tenure, Fasaites can look forward to three major improvements that define our vision and direction.
First is active inclusion and representation. We are ensuring that every department has a stronger voice in faculty matters through open communication, joint programs, and regular consultative meetings. This will help strengthen unity and build a shared sense of belonging.
Second is innovation in student engagement, welfare, and wellbeing. We’re introducing initiatives that focus on skill development, academic support, and health awareness. We understand the realities of stress and student pressure, so there will be health awareness programs and wellness campaigns to help Fasaites take better care of their mental and physical health.
Third is transparency, sustainability, and collaboration. We want to set a new standard for accountability, proper documentation, and continuity, ensuring that every project outlives our administration. And importantly, there will be a deliberate effort to build a stronger and more collaborative relationship between students and lecturers within the faculty.
In essence, Team Lumora is committed to creating a faculty that shines with purpose, unity, wellness, and lasting progress.
NCB: Some lecture theatres in the faculty are in poor condition, broken windows, faulty fans, exposed wires, poor lighting, damaged seats, and toilets that are barely functional. As faculty president, how do you intend to address these issues?
Amos: Thank you for raising that very important question. The state of our lecture theatres is something we can not overlook because a conducive learning environment is central to academic excellence. As a faculty, we have already begun conversations with the Faculty Advisory Committee to ensure that these issues are addressed structurally and not just temporarily.
One of our immediate plans is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across all lecture theatres to document the specific faults and prioritize them. With that report, we will liaise with the management and relevant maintenance units to fast-track repairs and renovations.
Beyond that, we’re also looking at faculty-driven interventions, including partnerships and collaborative projects that will involve alumni, philanthropists, and stakeholders who are willing to support the rehabilitation of our learning facilities.
Most importantly, Team Lumora is not waiting for a perfect moment; we’re taking proactive steps to restore our lecture spaces to standard. Our administration believes that every Fasaite deserves a safe, clean, and functional environment to learn, and that is a commitment we intend to see through.
NCB: What are the challenges you foresee in the achievement of your goals and vision, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Amos: Like every administration with a clear vision, we understand that challenges are inevitable. One of the major challenges we foresee is limited resources and low funds, which may at times slow down the pace of projects and welfare initiatives. Another is ensuring consistent participation and unity among students and departments, especially in a faculty as large and diverse as ours.
However, we are well-prepared to confront these challenges strategically. To tackle the issue of low funds, we are exploring creative partnerships and sponsorships from alumni, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals who share our vision. We also plan to improve internal resource management and ensure that every project is both impactful and sustainable.
On the part of unity and inclusion, Team Lumora is building constant and meaningful relations with departmental leaders to ensure full participation and collaboration. Through regular meetings, joint initiatives, and open communication, we want every department to feel genuinely connected to the faculty’s activities and decisions.
We believe that with teamwork, transparency, and creativity, these challenges will not hinder us but instead strengthen our resolve to deliver on our vision of a purposeful, inclusive, and progressive Faculty of Arts.
NCB: How do you plan to handle criticism from those you represent?
Amos: Leadership naturally comes with criticism, and I see it not as an obstacle but as a necessary part of growth and accountability. As Faculty President, I plan to handle criticism with maturity, openness, and dialogue. I believe that when people criticize, it often comes from a place of concern or expectation, and it’s my duty to listen, understand, and respond constructively.
Our administration will maintain open channels of communication, allowing students to freely share their opinions, complaints, or suggestions without fear. I will also encourage constructive criticism from my executives and departmental leaders because it helps us improve and stay grounded.
Most importantly, I will always separate personal feelings from leadership responsibilities. Criticism, when handled with wisdom, strengthens administration and builds trust. , o rather than react defensively, Team Lumora will take every feedback as an opportunity to refine our actions and better serve the entire Faculty of Arts community.
NCB: Finally, how can Fasaites support you to achieve your vision for this administration?
Amos: The success of this administration is not about Team Lumora alon. Itt is about every Fasaite. To truly achieve our vision, we need the active support, participation, and cooperation of students across all departments. We can only build the Faculty we all dream of when everyone contributes their voice, time, and ideas.
I’m calling on Fasaites to engage with our programs, share honest feedback, and take ownership of the faculty’s progress. Support can come in simple but powerful ways by attending events, volunteering for initiatives, spreading accurate information, and, importantly, paying faculty dues, as this helps us execute our plans and sustain ongoing projects.
Most importantly, I ask for patience, understanding, and trust as we work to turn our plans into reality. When the leadership and the students move together with shared purposes, there’s no goal we can not reach. With that collective effort, Team Lumora will truly light up the Faculty of Arts with progress, inclusion, and pride.
NCB: Alright, thank you very much, we've come to the end of the interview.z7wbzcmk
Amos: Thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure sharing the vision of TEAM LUMORA.
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