Association urges lecturers to encourage mentor-mentee relationships with students

The leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) Edo State Campus Monitoring Committee (CMC) on Monday restated the need for a “mentor-mentee” relationship to ensure the all-round development of undergraduates in tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Executive Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Benin Chapter, NAUS Chairman Comrade Destiny Eseosa expressed deep appreciation for ASUU’s dedication to enhancing the intellectual capacities of university students and uplifting educational standards.

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He commended ASUU for its discipline and selfless commitment to the betterment of the university community.

While emphasising the need to strengthen robust relationships between students and lecturers, Eseosa lamented the deteriorating relationship between students and lecturers, stemming from instances of victimisation, sexual harassment, and extortion.

“These issues have created a climate of fear, deterring students from seeking academic assistance and fostering a disconnect between them and their lecturers. There is an urgent need for a revitalised “mentor-mentee” relationship within the university,” Eseosa said.

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“In the past, lecturers mentored students in leadership, unionism, politics, and business enterprises. This mentorship included practical experiences such as accompanying lecturers to seminars and programmes.”

Osahon, however, called for the reactivation and cultivation of these mentorship practices to benefit the current student community.

On his part, ASUU Chairman UNIBEN, Dr. Ray Chikogu, acknowledged the concerns raised by NAUS and reiterated the union’s stance against sexual harassment, victimisation, and extortion.

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He emphasised that ASUU has a disciplinary committee to address such issues.

Chikogu further noted that one of the challenges faced by lecturers was inadequate government funding, which limits their capacity to provide extensive mentorship.

He lamented the situation where lecturers have been receiving the same salary for many years, adding that the financial strain hampers their ability to offer additional benefits to students.