THE CONSTITUTION

THE STUDENTS’ UNION

BAYELSA MEDICALUNIVERSITY
 PREAMBLE
The students of the Bayelsa Medical University have in line with the Student Handbook of the University
firmly resolved to perpetuate the existence and growth of the Students’ Union and to promote our
general welfare within a healthy and progressive University community;

The Students Union will also embrace due processes that will lead to effective utilization of all
educational and cultural resources of the institution as well as for the encouragement of a healthy
students/staff relationship and particularly for unity and brotherly co-existence among students;

The Bayelsa Medical University Students Union do also pledge to contribute its quota to the progress,
dignity and emancipation of our fatherland and humanity at large;

WE HEREBY make, enact, and give to ourselves the following Constitution:

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL SECTION

Section 1: Supremacy of the Constitution

Section 2: Name of Constitution

Section 3: Fundamental Objections

Section 4: Membership / Patrons

Section 5: Rights and Privileges of Members

ARTICLE 2: GOVERNANCE OF THE UNION

Section 1: The Executive Council

Section 2: The Legislature (The Senate)

Section 3: The Judicial Council

ARTICLE COUNCIL 3: CONGRESS

Section 1: Powers of Congress

Section 2: Quorum of Congress

ARTICLE 4: REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION

ARTICLE 5: TENURE OF OFFICE

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS

ARTICLE 7: LEGAL ADVISER

ARTICLE 8: ACCOUNTABILITY OF UNION OFFICERS

ARTICLE 9: AUDIT OF ACCOUNT

ARTICLE 10: AFFILIATED CLUBS ANDS ASSOCIATIONS

ARTICLE 11: FACULTY AND DEPARTMENTS

ARTICLE 12: THE JOINT FACULTY COUNCIL (JFC)

ARTICLE 13: HALL GOVERNMENT

Section 1: Composition of Hall Government

Section 2: Tenure of Hall Government

ARTICLE 14: FINANCE

Section 1: Derivation of Finance to the SUG

Section 2: Payment of Student Levy

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ARTICLE 15: COMMITTEES

ARTICLE 16: SPECIAL COMMITEES

ARTICLE 17: ELECTION / BY ELECTION FOR THE UNION

ARTICLE 18: REGULATIONS, ELIGIBILITY, NOMINATIONS, PETITIONS OF ELECTION AND PROCEDURES

FOR IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION.

Section 1: Electoral Regulations / Guidelines

Section 2: Eligibility for Election

Section 3: Nominations

Section 4: Election Petitions

Section 5: Procedures for Impeachment of President and Vice President of the Union.

ARTICLE 19: STAFF ADVISER

ARTICLE 20: AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 21: CITATION

ARTICLE 22: CONSTITUTIONAL DRAFTING COMMITTEE, STUDENT UNION GOVERNMENT (SUG)

BAYELSA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021-2022

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 ARTICLE 1

SECTION 1

SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION

The Constitution is the supreme document of the Students’ Union of the Bayelsa Medical University and
its provisions shall be binding on the representatives and members of the Union but shall be subject to
the provisions of the University Students handbook. Any provision of this Constitution that is contrary to
or inconsistent with the provision of the handbook on any issue, the provisions of the Students
handbook shall prevail.

The Students’ Union shall not be governed nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the
union except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

SECTION 2

NAME OF THE UNION

The name of the union shall be The Students Union of the Bayelsa Medical University. Here after
referred to as the “SU-BMU.”

SECTION 3

FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES

1. To promote and encourage the socio-cultural and intellectual interests of members.

2. To act as the representative of members when and where appropriate.
3. To maintain good relationship with the University, and to be the recognized liaison between
members and the University authorities.
4. To promote and protect the educational interests and welfare of members.
5. To protect/secure the fundamental rights and privileges of members.
6. To assist other duly university registered and recognized clubs, organizations, etc. within the
Students’ Union.
7. To promote/protect the good name of the Bayelsa Medical University at all times.

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SECTION 4

MEMBERSHIP/PATRONS & MATRONS

1. All registered students of the University shall be potential members provided such a student has
duly registered as a student with the University. Payment of prescribed membership fees/dues
to the Union entitles students as bona fide members.
2. Membership of the Students Union shall be optional and not compulsory
3. Honorary membership shall be conferred on persons who are not, and have never been
students of the University, who by the interest they have shown in the affairs of the Union are
deemed fit for the honor. This shall be on the recommendation of the Unions Executive Council
and approved by two-third members of the Union’s Senate.
4. A maximum of five (5) honorary membership shall be conferred in the lifespan of any SU-BMU
administration.
5. Life membership shall be conferred on the members of the Union who have been outstanding in
their service to the Union, University and the Society. This shall be on the recommendation of
the Executive Council and approved by two-third majority of the Union’s Senate
6. All ordinary members of the Union shall pay an annual membership fee of two thousand naira
(N2000) only or such amount that shall be determined or approved from time to time for those
opting to be bona fide members.
7. There shall be one each of grand patron, patron and matron of the Union. The grand patron,
patron and matron shall be elected on the recommendation of the Union’s Executive Council
and approved by a two third majority of the Senate.

SECTION 5

RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERS

1. Members shall have the right to the Union’s Constitution on payment of prescribed fees.
2. Members shall have equal privilege of using the facilities and services of the Union.
3. Members shall have the right/freedom to seek information from the three (3) arms of the
Union.
4. Members shall have the right to freedom of expression and opinion’.
5. Members shall have the right to freedom of peaceful association.
6. Members shall have the right to report all cases of harassment, abuse and intimidation from
fellow members and the University, to the officers of the Union.
7. Members shall have the right to vote and be voted for at the Union’s Elections, except
otherwise stated in this Constitution and subject to Electoral Guidelines.
8. Members shall have the right to petition against any officer of the Union who abuses his/her
office and power. This petition shall be forwarded to the Union's Senate through the Clerk.

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 ARTICLE 2

GOVERNANCE OF THE UNION

The authority and powers of the union shall be vested in, and exercised by the three (3) arms as
established by this Constitution.

 THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 THE STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SENATE)
 THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL or JUDICIARY

SECTION 1

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

COMPOSITION: The Executive Council shall consist of the:

1. President
2. Vice President
3. General Secretary
4. Assistant General Secretary
5. Financial Secretary
6. Treasurer
7. Public Relations Officer(PRO)
8. Assistant Public Relations Officer
9. Director of Social
10. Director of Welfare
11. Director of Transport
12. Director of Sports
13. Provost.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 THE PRESIDENT

The President shall:

1. Be the Executive head of the Union

2. Be responsible for the overall coordination of the activities and efficient functioning of the
Union.
3. Have power to form committees to enhance the proper running of the Union, subject to the
ratification by two/third majority of the Senate.
4. Summon, through the Secretary, all meetings of the Executive Council and the congress
meeting over which he shall preside.

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 5. In conjunction with the Senate President and the Chief Judge summon a joint meeting of the
three arms of the Union when the need arises.
6. Be signatory to the Unions Account.
7. Co-ordinate all National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS)-related activities on campus.
8. Present the Annual Budget of the Union to the Senate for approval.
9. Be an automatic member of the disciplinary committee.

 VICE PRESIDENT

The Vice President shall:

1. Assist and advice the President in all his/her official duties and shall act in the absence or
incapacitation of the President.
2. Carry out such other activities and functions that may be delegated to him/her from time to
time by the President.
3. Automatically become the President if the post becomes vacant before the expiration of tenure
of the President.
4. Be the Chairman/Chairperson of the Year One (1) Orientation Planning Committee.
5. Be in charge of the academic welfare of the students.
6. Be the Chairman of the Student week committee.

 GENERAL SECRETARY

The General Secretary shall:

1. Be the head of the Union's Secretariat

2. Convene, at the instance of the President, all Executive and Congress meetings of the Union.
3. Keep the records of the Union.
4. Compile and present report on the activities of the Union on a per semester basis to the Senate.
This shall be in consultation with the President and Executive Council.
5. Carry out such duties as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the
President/Executive Council.
6. Be a signatory to the Students Union Account

 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

The Assistant General Secretary shall:

1. Assist the General Secretary in all his/her duties and shall act in his/her absence.
2. Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the President/Executive Council
3. Be the Secretary of the Year One (1) Orientation Planning Committee.

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 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

The Director of Finance shall:

1. Keep record/account of all the income and expenditure of the Union.

2. Collect all monies due to the Union and issue receipts for such monies.
3. Submit to the treasurer not later than 48 hours all monies collected and collect receipts for
such.
4. Hold the Union's chequebook and other bank documents, and hand over same at the expiration
of his/her tenure.
5. Be a signatory to the Students Union Account
6. Ensure that no member of the Executive Council exceeds the approved budget/ supplementary
budget for his office.
7. Prepare a balance sheet and submit his/her books for auditing at the end of each semester to
the approved Auditor.
8. Be responsible for the payment of the salaries of the staff of the Union.
9. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him/her by the president

 TREASURER

The Treasurer shall:

1. Receive all Union monies collected by the Director of Finance, Secretary or other sources.
2. Deposit all monies received in the Union's account within 48 hours after such receipt.
3. Be responsible for the disbursement of the approved expenditure of the Union.
4. Be responsible for keeping an imprest account as may be approved by the Executive Council
from time to time.
5. Submit all receipts, payment vouchers and the account balance of the Union to the Executive
Council on monthly basis.
6. Be a signatory to the Unions Account in the absence of either the President or Director of
Finance..

 DIRECTOR OF SOCIALS

The Director of Socials shall:

1. Co-ordinate all social activities of the Union such as Students’ Union Week.
2. Be in charge of the various musical and other entertainment instruments such as public address
systems and see to their proper handling.
3. Be the Chairman of the Social Organizing Committee of the Union.
4. Account for all money realized from all social activities within two days (48 hours) of collection.
5. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President.

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 DIRECTOR OF WELFARE

The Director of Welfare shall:

1. See to the proper welfare of all members in the Union.

2. Maintain a proper inventory of all Union properties and hand over same at the expiration of
his/her tenure.
3. Maintain and account for all the Students Union buildings and shops to the Executive Council
and the Senate on a per semester basis and at any other time on demand. This shall be done in
conjunction with the Treasurer.
4. Be the Chairman of the Welfare Committee of the Union.
5. Ensure that the aggregate rate of feeding is adhered to at all times.
6. Supervise and ensure the efficient and smooth running of feeding centers within the campus.
7. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President.

 DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORT

The Director of Transport shall:

1. Take charge of Transport arrangement under such regulations as the Transport Committee shall
make from time to time.
2. Be the Chairman/Chairperson of Transportation Committee of the Union.
3. Be the custodian of the Union’s vehicle(s).
4. Submit a monthly account to the Executive Council in respect of commercial transport services.
5. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President.

 DIRECTOR OF SPORTS

The Director of Sports shall:

1. Co-ordinate all games and sporting activities of the Union.

2. Be the Chairman/Chairperson of the Sports Committee of the Union.
3. Present to the Executive Council programme of sporting activities for each academic session in
conjunction with the director of sports.
4. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President.

 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

The Public Relation Officer shall:

1. Be responsible for giving due publicity to the activities of the Union with a view of projecting
its good image.
2. In consultation with the president prepare and issue press releases on the union’s activities.

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 3. Co-ordinate and supervise the use of the Union’s notice boards or social media platform for
approved notices.
4. Be responsible for the purchase and display of newspapers, magazines and other
publications in the students’ lounges.
5. In consultation with the Executive council print Almanacs, Emblems and other publicity
materials as may be determined by the Senate / House of Representative.
6. Account for all moneys realized from the sale of union publications within two weeks of
collection.
7. Inform members on current affairs that may affect the Union and its members.
8. The information officer act as the information gathering center of the Union.
9. Be the chairman of the Editorial Board of the Union.
10. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him or her by the president.

 ASSISTANT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

The Assistant Public Relations Officer shall:

1. Assist the Public Relations Officer in all his/her duties and shall act in his/her absence.
2. Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the President/Executive
Council

 PROVOST

The Provost shall:

1. Be in charge of maintaining peace and order during Executive Council, joint sessions, and
Congress meetings of the Union.
2. Work closely with the Chief Security Office (C.S.O) of the University in the discharge of his
duties.
3. Be a member of the disciplinary committee.
4. Communicate on the union’s needs and issues affecting the union.
5. Carry out such duties that may be assigned to him or her by the president.
6. Receive all typed letters from members of the union stating reasons for absenteeism 48
hours before Congress.
7. Give a letter of approval for absenteeism from Congress.

 QUORUM
For any meeting of the executive council, a quorum shall be formed when there are two third
members of council present at the meeting. For this purpose, nine out of the 13 members of the
executive shall be considered a quorum.

SECTION 2

THE LEGISLATURE (THE – SENATE)

 There shall be a legislative arm known as the SENATE for the Union.

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 Senate shall consist of:
Senators elected to represent Senatorial districts as may from Time to time be delineated by the
Electoral commission Provided that the total number of Senators so elected does not exceed the
number of departments in the university.
 There shall be equal number of senatorial Districts. Each Department shall constitute a Senatorial
district with one elected Senator.
 A member of the Senate shall:
1. Have spent at least one academic session in the University and not in his or her final
year.
2. Be an active member of the Union.
3. Have a favorable security report.
4. Be sponsored by at least 5 members from his/her district.
5. Possess a CGPA of at least 3.00
6. Must have paid his/her Union fees for the period he/she must have spent in the
University.

SUBSECTION 2.1
 No person shall be qualified for election into the Senate if:
1. He /she is in the final level of the duration of his/her programme in the University.
2. He/she has stayed more than the duration of his current Programme. Provided that students who
withdraw formerly or who transferred from one course to another will not be deemed to have
overstayed his/her duration.
3. He/she has been indicted of any offence both within and outside the University or is under
punishment or rustication by the school authority.
4. He/she has been involved in an act of dishonesty, embezzlement, misappropriation or
mismanagement of funds or any other act.
5. He/she is a member of a secret society or cult.

SUBSECTION 2.2
 The Senate shall:

1. Be the highest law making body of the Union.

2. Have powers to make laws for the peace and order, and good government of the Union consistent
with the act, statutes and regulations of the University or other laws of the land.

3. Subject to the provisions of this constitution have power to regulate its own procedure.

4. Have powers to, not later than 14 days ratify and adopt the budget submitted by the Executive.

5. Have any other power as may be ascribed to it by this constitution.

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SUBSECTION 2.3

TENURE AND OFFICE OF THE SENATE.

 The tenure of any Senate shall be one academic session.

 The Officers of the Senate shall consist of:
1. The Senate President
2. The Deputy Senate President
3. The Clerk of the Senate
4. The Deputy Clerk of the Senate
5. The Sergeant at Arms.

 The Senate President and Deputy Senate President shall be elected during the inaugural sitting of
the Senate.
 The Clerk of the Senate, his Deputy and the Sergeant at Arms shall be appointed by the Senate
President on the approval of two-thirds majority of members of the Senate present and voting.
 The offices of the senate president and the Deputy Senate President shall rotate between faculties
in the University.
 The Senate President and the Deputy Senate President should not be from same Faculty.
 The Senate President shall:
1. Have power to summon meeting of the Senate through the Clerk of the Senate.
2. Summon an emergency meeting of the Senate through the Clerk of the Senate on a written
request of at least one-third of the members of the Senate.
3. Preside over all sitting of the Senate.
4. Exercise casting vote when there is a tie.

 The Deputy Senate President shall;

1. Assist the president and act for him in his absence.
2. In the absence of both the Senate president and deputy senate president, the senate shall elect
one of its members to preside at the meeting.
 The Clerk of the Senate shall:
1. Convene meetings of Senate on the directive of the Senate President and ensure that notices of
such meetings containing the agendum/agenda of such meetings reach members of the Senate
at least 48 hours before the meeting; provided that at least 5 Senators from each faculty
endorse it.
2. Record and keep in good order, minutes of the proceedings of Senate sittings. Perform all other
functions as may be assigned to him from time to time by the senate.
3. In the absence of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, the Senate shall appoint a member to take the
minutes of the meeting.
 The Sergeant at Arms of the Senate shall:
1. Maintain law and order in the Senate.
2. Usher in Senate President in and out during Senate meetings.

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 3. Assist the Clerk in the arrangement of Senate meeting and in the delivery of Senate notice of
meeting.
4. Carry the mace of the Senate and keep custody of the mace
5. Perform all other functions as may be assigned to him from time to time.

SUB-SECTION 2.4

The President or Deputy President and other members of the Senate shall vacate his/her office:

1. If he/she ceases to be member of the Senate, or by reason of a dissolution of the Senate; or

2. If he/she is removed from office, by the vote of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members
of the Senate.

3. If he/she is found guilty of misconduct.

4. In this section “misconduct” means grave violation of the provisions of this Constitution or a
misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion of the Senate to misconduct.

SUB-SECTION 2.5

SENATE MEETING

1. The inaugural meeting of Senate shall be summoned not later than 2 weeks after the election of
officers of the Senate.

2. The Senate shall meet at least 3 times in a semester.

3. The procedure for summoning emergency meetings of Senate by the Senate President shall be as
prescribed in this constitution.

4. Any absentee from Senate meeting for two consecutive occasions without notice or cogent reasons to
the Senate shall in the first instance be warned and reported to his/her district and in the event of
absence from the meeting for the third consecutive period, shall have his/her seat declared vacant.

5. One –half of the members of Senate, provided that each faculty, has a minimum of three (3) members
present, shall constitute a quorum at the meeting of the Senate.

6. Voting in the Senate shall be by show of hands unless otherwise decided by the Senate.

7. Except otherwise stated in this constitution, every question or proposal shall be decided by two-thirds
of members sitting and voting.

8. Standing orders shall be drawn up and established by Senate to guide its proceedings.

9. Enactments of the Senate shall be known as Acts.

10.The members of the Senate shall be known and addressed as Distinguished Senators of the Senate.

11.Every member of the Senate shall take an oath of office and allegiance.

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SECTION 3

THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

SUBSECTION 3.1

FUNCTIONS/POWERS OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

 To check and ascertain the constitutionality or otherwise of any action taken by the President or
other officers of the Executive Council, the Senate President or other officers of the Senate or
members of the Union.
 To check and ascertain the constitutionality of the Senate’s legislation.
 The decision of the Council shall be that of the simple majority of its members present and sitting
throughout the trial.
 The members of the Judicial Council shall be removed subject to the approval of two third majorities
of the members of the Senate.
 Conventional court procedures shall be followed in the adjudication of cases.
 All cases for adjudication by the Judicial Council shall concern only matters bordering on the Union’s
political activities and constitutionality of their actions. The Judicial Council cannot try any student
on matters of conduct involving personal issues such as student/student interactions or cases of
social misconduct or criminal action. All individual misconducts are within the ambit of Students
Disciplinary Committee of the Bayelsa Medical University.

SUBSECTION 3.2

COMPOSITION

The Judicial Council shall consist of the:

1. Chief Judge
2. Deputy Chief Judge,
3. Union Court Registrar
4. Deputy court registrar
5. Union court clerk
6. Union prosecutor/ counsel
7. 5 other Judges

SUBSECTION 3.3

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 The Chief Judge Shall;

1. Be the head of the judicial council
2. Summon meetings, and presides over all meeting, and sessions of the judicial council resolves
itself into the election petition committee.
3. Administer the Oath of office to the following officers of the union.

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 I. The president
II. The vice president
III. The senate president.
 The Deputy Chief Judge Shall;
1. Function as the Chief Judge in his or her absence.
2. Administer the Oath of office to the faculty president and executive.
3. Be the chairman of the election petitions committee
4. Carryout other duties that may be assign to him or her by the Chief Judge
 The five other Justices
1. One justice shall come from each faculty.
2. They shall be responsible for administering the Oath of office to;
 The Union Court Registrar
1. The registrar is the administrative head of the judicial council.
2. He enrolls and register councils in the Union Court with a prescribed fee to be determined by
the judicial council as well as cases for mention. The registration shall be on session bases and
subject to renewal.
3. He is the administrative and accounting officer of the judicial council.
4. To remit all monies to the union financial secretary within 48 hours of receipts of such monies.
5. Carryout any other duty that may be assign to him or her by the Chief Judge.
 The Deputy Court Registrar
1. Shall assist the Chief Court Registrar in making the work effective.
 The Union Court Clerk
1. The union court clerk shall be in charge of the secretarial duties of the court.
2. Be responsible for all notice and correspondences in the court.
3. Shall keep records of all activities in the court.
4. And any other duties that may be assigned to him by the Chief Judge.
 The Union Prosecutor/Counsel
1. The union prosecutor/Counsel is the prosecutor as well as the Council who shall persecute and
defend the union of all cases.

SUB-SECTION 3.4

CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT OF THE CHIEF JUDGE AND DEPUTY CHIEF JUDGE

1. He/she shall be presented to the University Security for screening.

2. He/she shall have an academic cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least

3.50 and above, on a 5-point scale.

3. He/she shall be in his/her Penultimate year in the University 300 level on a four years programme,
400 level on a five year programme and 500 level on a six year programme.

4. All other judges and judicial officials are also applicable as in the section above but may not
necessarily be in their penultimate year in the University.

5. The chief and Deputy Chief Judge and judicial officials shall be subject to the approval of the Senate.

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SUB-SECTION 3.5

QUORUM OF THE COURT OF THE STUDENT UNION

1. All at sittings of the Union Court, the quorum shall be four (4) Jurors, with each Faculty duly
represented.
2. The Chief Judge shall preside all sittings of the Union Court and his absence the Deputy Chief
Judge.
3. Where the Chief Judge or the Deputy Chief Judge is absent, the Jurors shall appoint a Chief
Judge from among themselves.

SUB-SECTION 3.6

CODE OF CONDUCT/INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

 The members of the Judiciary shall upon being appointed, subscribe to the oath of office of the
Judiciary Officers prescribed, before the Chief Judge except for the Chief Judge that will be sworn-in
by the former Chief Judge and shall be independent and enjoy a secured tenure of office and shall
hold office until his term expires, except he resigns, or he is removed as a result of incompetence or
for reasons of gross misconduct or for financial impropriety.
 Any Judicial Official must maintain impeccable and dignified conduct.
 No Judicial Official shall be involved in bribery or other corrupt practices in the determination of
action brought before the Court; a violation of this provision shall constitute sufficient grounds for
the removal of such a Judicial Official.

SUB-SECTION 3.7

RULES/ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS OF THE COURT

 The rules, practice and procedure of the Union Court shall be as prescribed by the Court, provided
however, that where no rule, practice or procedure exists with respect to any matter before the
Court, the Court shall adopt such rule, practice or procedure as in its opinion will achieve substantial
justice.
 Judgments of the Union Court shall be binding on all members of the Union. HOWEVER, Judgments
of the Union Court may be forwarded to the management of the University for Proper Enforcement
when necessary.

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SUB-SECTION 3.8

GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

 Resignation: Any member may resign his membership of the Judicial Council by writing to that effect
to the Chief Judge. In such a case, he ceases to hold office from the date mentioned in the letter as
the date of resignation or if no date is mentioned from the date the Chief Judge receive the letter.
However, if the member so resigning is the Chief Judge, he shall submit the letter to the President.
Any vacancy accepted in the Judicial Council due to resignation or otherwise, such vacancy shall be
in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
 Removal: The Judicial Council may request the Executive Council through the Parliament, to remove
any of its members by a simple majority vote if it feels that such a member conducts himself in a
manner prejudicial to the reputation or orderly and smooth operation of the Judicial Council and the
Union. However, such a request shall be a two-thirds majority vote if the member is the Deputy
Chief Judge or the Chief Judge.

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 ARTICLE 3

SECTION 1

POWERS OF CONGRESS

 The Congress shall be the highest decision making organ of the Union.
 The Congress shall be convened at least once every semester.
 The Congress shall ratify the budget and all key decisions of the Executive and Senate of the
Union.
 The Congress MUST approve all key decisions that affect the generality of the students such as
Students’ Union dues and levies, approval of budget, declaration of protest against the
institution or government at any level, etc.
 An approval of any key decision by Congress shall be by two-thirds majority votes cast
accredited members at a Congress duly convened.
 All such decisions and actions not approved by the Congress shall be termed unconstitutional
and illegal; such unconstitutional and illegal action(s) shall constitute gross misconduct.
 The Congress shall receive a detailed statement of account of stewardship from the Executive at
the end of tenure of office.
 A typed letter stating the reasons for absence from congress should be written to the Provost 48
hours before Congress, with approval from the executive council.
 Absentees from Congress without due process will yield a fine of #500 only.

SECTION 2

QUORUM FOR CONGRESS;

Quorum for Congress shall be deemed to have been constituted when at least two third students are
present (with representatives from each of the Faculties).

Attendance will be taken at every congress.

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 ARTICLE 4

REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION

 The Executive Council or any member of the Council shall not be removed from office except by
the vote of two third majorities of the entire members of the Senate for stated misbehavior,
inefficiency and incapacity.
 No Executive Officer of the union shall be removed except on the basis of gross misconduct that
has been established by a Panel of Investigation. Such removal shall be ratified by Dean of
Student Affairs.
 Any Officer who has been removed from office may appeal to the Judicial Council if he/she feels
the reason for the removal is contrary to the provision of the Constitution.
 In the case of resignation or removal of the President, the Vice President shall be sworn in as
President by the Chief Judge within 24 hours. The Chief Judge shall report same to the Senate
President within 24 hours; the Senate President shall in turn notify the members of the Union
within 48 hours.
 All resignation shall be submitted to the Senate President who shall notify the members of the
Union within 48hours.
 Any officer(s) who has resigned or has been removed from office shall handover or submit all
Union’s property in his/her possession within 48hours.
 In the event that there is no Executive Council, the Senate President shall summon within 48
hours a General Meeting of the Senate to elect a Caretaker Government which shall hold office
for a period not exceeding three (3) months. Where within this period it is not possible to have
a new government, the Senate shall extend the time for another period not exceeding three (3)
months. However, the extension MUST be such that the period of General Elections, which is
Second Semester, is maintained.
 Removal of the Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other officers of the Senate shall
be by a motion, supported and approved by two third majorities of the members of the Senate.
Such removal shall be communicated to the President within 48 hours.
 Officers of the Judicial Council shall be removed by the recommendation of the Judicial
Supervisory Committee (JSC) and supported/approved by two third majority of member of the
Senate.
 Any removal by the Senate shall be communicated to the affected Union Official through the
Dean of Student Affairs.

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 ARTICLE 5

TENURE OF OFFICE

 The tenure of office of all elected Officers of the Union shall be one Academic Session.
 The Executive Council shall form the Union’s Electoral Committee Seven(7) weeks before the
expiration of the tenure, for the purpose of conducting fresh elections.

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 ARTICLE 6

MEETINGS

 The Executive Council shall meet at least once (1) in a month. Emergency meetings may be
convened when necessary.
 The meeting of the Senate shall be held not more than twice (2) in a month, except in the case
of emergency.
 The resolutions of the Senate shall be made known to members of the Union within 48 hours by
publications on Notice Boards and an approved Social Media platform.
 The Judicial Committee shall have the right to convene a meeting when necessary, to adjudicate
cases brought to it.
 The Judgment of the Judicial Committee shall be made known to members of the Union within
48 hours by publication on Notice Boards.
 Ad-hoc and Sub-committees may meet at their discretion.
 A general meeting of the Union (Congress Meeting) shall be called at least once (1) in every
semester.

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 ARTICLE 7

LEGAL ADVISER

 There shall be a Legal Adviser to the Union who shall be appointed by the President after due
consultation with the Executive Council and the Dean, Students Affairs.
 The Legal Adviser so appointed shall be approved by the Vice Chancellor of the University.
 The Legal Adviser shall be a Barrister and Solicitor practicing in Nigeria.
 Any person so appointed shall give such legal advice as the Executive Council may from time to
time require.
 The Legal Adviser shall cease to hold office when a motion for his/her removal has been passed
and approved by the votes of two third majorities of members of the Senate or if such a person
resigns his post.
 The retainership of the Legal Adviser shall be renewed on a yearly basis.

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 ARTICLE 8

ACCOUNTABILITY OF UNION OFFICERS

 All officers of the Union shall be individually or jointly responsible for any acts of commission or
omission perpetrated in the performance of their duties.
 All offices shall be financially accountable for expenses incurred on behalf of the Union.
 All officers must produce an annual report and account of stewardship to the Congress.
 The Annual Report and account of stewardship of officers shall be presented at the first
Congress of the Union after the elections.
 All officials' annual report and account stewardship shall be presented to the dean student affair
upon expiration of their tenure.

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 ARTICLE 9

AUDIT OF ACCOUNT

 Accounts of the Union shall be audited every semester by the Finance and Audit Committee of
the Senate.
 Auditors will be entitled at the Union's cost to a refund of all expenses incurred by it and to any
fee or honorarium approved by the Senate in respect of the discharge of their duties.
 The Audit Committee shall have power to require the Trustee to submit to them at a stated
place, period and time, the accounts and records of the Union in their custody.
 The Audit Committee shall have power to require the Executive Council of the Union and any
other officer or member of the Union to submit to them written reports on any issue affecting
the affairs of the Union, based on the auditors’ terms of reference.
 The Audit Committee shall have the power to require any person to appear in person before
them for the purpose of interrogation on, or clarification of, matters related to the affairs of the
Union or on the Auditors’ term of reference.
 Auditors appointed or invited by the Senate shall be given written terms of reference and the
conditions of their appointment.
 The Audit Committee's report shall be submitted to the Senate President and such audited
account shall be sent to the Dean Student Affairs for information and necessary action
 The Audit Committee's report and statement of account shall be published on Notice Boards.

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 ARTICLE 10

AFFILIATED CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS

 Any Club or Association within the University with the aim of developing and promoting
Students’ welfare and quality of life may affiliate with the Union.
 The club or association who wish to affiliate with the Union shall apply in writing, enclosing its
Constitution, a report of its activities and a fee of One thousand naira (N1000) only or such
amount that may be determined or approved from time to time.
 The Club or Association shall provide the Union with its approved scheme of activities at the
beginning of each session.
 The Club or Association shall keep the Union informed of its officers from time to time.
 The Club or Association so accepted and recognized by the Union shall have the privilege to use
the Union's property and enjoy the Union's patronage or support.
 The Club or Association shall be privileged to apply for grants by way of aid from the Union.

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 ARTICLE 11

FACULTY AND DEPARTMENTS

 Members of the Union who are in the various Faculty and Departments shall have the right to
form their Associations at the Faculty and departmental levels only.
 There shall be only two (2) arms of administration at the Faculty and Departmental level
namely: the Executive and the Congress.
 The Executive Council shall be responsible to members in the Faculty with same method at the
Departmental Level and shall report on semester basis to Faculty and Departmental Congress.
 The Faculty and Departmental Associations shall have the right to make by laws for the smooth
running of their administration. In the case of conflict between this Constitution and the by laws
of any Departmental Association, the provisions of this Constitution shall prevail.

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 ARTICLE 12

THE JOINT FACULTY COUNCIL1. There shall be a body known as and hereinafter called the Joint Faculty
Council (JFC). 2. The body shall comprise, Members of the Executive council, The President, Vice
President, Secretary and other two students from each Faculty Association.3. The Joint Faculty Council
shall meet as the need arises but at least twice in a semester.4. The President of the Union shall be the
chairman of join Faculty council.5. The president of the Union shall through the Secretary General of the
Union summon and preside over all the meetings of the joint faculty council and in his absence the Vice
shall preside over the meeting.6. The joint faculty council shall be a forum for members of the Union
Executive council and the Executive members of the Faculty Associations to discuss particulars Issues of
implementation of Union decisions at the various Faculty levels.7. Issues relating to the effective
implementation of the rules and regulations of University at the Faculty levels.8. The Quorum for a
meeting of the join faculty council shall be one-third of all members of The Joint Faculty Council (JFC).9.
Decisions of the joint faculty council shall be by simple majority of members present and voting. 10. The
tenure of joint consultative council shall be one academic session.

N.B The 2 students from each Faculty shall be from the members of the executives from each faculties.

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 ARTICLE 13

HALL GOVERNMENT

Section 1: Composition of Hall Government1) There shall be a Hall Government which consist of all
students legitimately residing in the hall. 2) Membership of the Hall Government shall consist of all
students legitimately residing in the hall.3) Each Hall Government shall consist of: 1. The Hall Governor

2. The Deputy Hall governor

3. The Secretary

4. The Games Captain

The Financial Secretary. 1. The Hall Governor shall: a. Shall be the Head of Hall Administration.

b. Acting through the Hall Secretary summon meetings of the Hall Administration.

c. Present at all meetings of the Hall Government.

d. Supervise and co-ordinate all aspects of Hall Government activities. 2. The Deputy Hall Governor: a.
Shall assist the Governor in his/her duties and act for him/her in his/her absence. 3. The Hall Secretary
shall: a. Convene all hall meetings at the request of the Hall Governor.b. Keep attendance registers and
take minutes of hall meetings. 4. The Welfare Officer shall: a. See to the overall welfare of the members
of the hall.b. Ensure that there is a cordial relationship existing between the staff and members of the
hall.c. Carry out periodic inspection and ensure good sanitary condition of toilet facilities in the hall and
the environment.

5. The caption of Games shall: a. Co-ordinate games and sporting activities of the hall.b. Be co-ordinate
games and sporting materials and equipment. 6. The Financial Secretary: a. shall keep all financial
records of the Hall Government which will show all income and expenditure of the Hall Government at
any time.

Section 2: Tenure of Hall Administration

1. The tenure of the Hall Government shall be one academic session. 2. Each Hall Government shall cater
for hall needs and welfare and shall ensure the active involvement of students in the hall in activities of
the Union. 3. The Hall Government shall meet at least once a semester.4. The Quorum of the Hall
Government shall be one half of the members of the Hall Government. 5. Any decision in the hall shall
be determined by simple majority of the members present and voting.

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 ARTICLE 14

FINANCE

SECTION 1

 DERIVATION OF FINANCE TO THE STUDENTS’ UNION:

1. The annual levy of every registered bona fide member as may be determined from time to time.
2. Any voluntary donation from corporate bodies and individuals.
3. The proceeds from Students Union activities.
4. The proceeds from investments.
5. Registration of affiliate Clubs and Associations
6. The Union shall have borrowing powers for special capital projects with due approval from the
Vice-Chancellor.
 Revenues and monies received by the Union shall be paid into the Union’s Bank account by the
Treasurer.
 The Bank Account of the Union shall be operated by Trustees of the Union. Trustees shall include
the President, General secretary and the Director of Finance.
 All vouchers and purchase orders on any capital project shall be duly scrutinized and counter-signed
by the President and the Director of Finance.
 Application for grants in aid to affiliate clubs and associations shall be made on an application form
obtained from the Treasurer.
 The funds of the Union shall be disbursed according to the Annual Budget approved by the Senate.
 Copies of the approved Annual Budgets of the Union shall be made available on request by the
members of the union.
 Supplementary budget can be submitted when the need arises and shall be approved by two third
majorities of the members of the Senate.

SECTION 2

PAYMENT OF STUDENT LEVY

 All annual student levy of the Student Union Administration will be added to the school fees of
that particular session which will be paid to the Student Union’s account.

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 ARTICLE 15

COMMITTEES

 AD HOC COMMITTEE: The Executive Council shall have powers to set up Ad-hoc Committee. This
shall be widely advertised and shall not duplicate the standing Committees.

 DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
1. The Disciplinary committee shall comprise five (5) distinguished members of the Senate
appointed by the Senate/ President and ratified by simple majority votes of members
present and voting.
2. The Disciplinary committee shall have power to discipline members of the Union in matters
relating to the political activities of the Union such as denial or removal from office. The
Students Disciplinary Committee of the Bayelsa Medical University retains the whole right to
adjudicate on all issues of students’ misconduct in the university.

 STANDING COMMITTEE: There shall be the following standing Committees of the Union.
1. FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE
I. Shall comprise five members elected on the floor of Senate from amongst Senators,
which shall be headed by an in-house Auditor appointed by the Senate President.
II. Shall scrutinize and approve the budget of the Union and any budgetary expenditure.
Shall report and give statement of account of all audited account to the Senate
President without prejudice to Article 9 of this Constitution.
2. OTHER STANDING COMMITTEES
The other Standing Committees are;
I. Social
II. Welfare
III. Games/Sports
IV. Publicity/Information
V. Security
VI. Transportation
These Committees shall be headed by the respective Directors and comprised of five
(5) other members to be appointed by the Executive and approved by the Senate.

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 ARTICLE 16

SPECIAL COMMITTEE

 STUDENTS’ UNION WEEK PLANNING COMMITTEE

1. The Student Union Week planning Committee shall be formed by the Executive Council
and approved by the two third majority of the Senate.
2. Members of the Committee shall be drawn from each College/Faculty in the University.
The Committee shall be headed by the Director of Socials of the Union.
3. The Committee shall be responsible for organizing the entire activities of the Students’
Week.
 EDITORIAL BOARD
1. The Editorial Board shall comprise an Adviser, who shall be a member of the University
Academic Staff, the Director of Information, an Editor, and such other persons as may be
deemed appropriate.
2. The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Executive Council with the approval of
two third majority of the Senate.
3. The Editor-in-Chief and Secretary of the board shall be appointed by the President.
4. The Treasurer of the Union shall take charge of the funds of the Board.
5. The Board shall have powers to publish the Union’s Magazine and other publications. It shall
ensure a high standard of publication.

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 ARTICLE 17

ELECTION/BY ELECTION OF THE UNION

 The General Election of the Union shall hold in every Second Semester in a session on a date to be
fixed by the Dean of Student Affairs and Electoral Committee.
 The General Election of the various Departmental Associations in the University shall be held in
every first semester in a session within six weeks of resumption of every session.
 Vacancies occurring in any of the elections shall be filled in a by election to be conducted within 3
weeks after the general election.
 Subject to the provisions of this article, elections for the Union shall be carried out in the way and
manner set down in the electoral regulations and guidelines in Article 18.

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 ARTICLE 18

REGULATIONS, ELIGIBILITY, NOMINATIONS, PETITIONS OF ELECTION AND PROCEDURES OF

IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION.

SECTION 1

ELECTORAL REGULATIONS/GUIDELINES

1. There shall be an Electoral Commission for the purposes of conducting Students' Union Elections.

2. The Electoral Commission shall consist of two Student members of proven integrity from each Faculty
appointed by the Executive Council subject to confirmation by the Senate, and the Dean of Student
Affairs shall automatic be the chairman of the electoral committee.

3. The President or anyone acting in that capacity shall appoint Secretary of the Electoral Commission
from the appointees.

4. The Electoral Commission shall be constituted at least seven weeks before the end of Every Second
Semester and shall stay in office until a new Electoral Commission is constituted.

5. The Student members of the Electoral Commission shall not participate in any form of Union
government during their tenure in office.

6. The Electoral Commission shall draw up and publish a schedule of Union elections.

7. The Electoral Commission shall within forty-eight (48) hours after the end of counting in each of the
unions election publish the results of such election.

8. The Electoral Commission shall draw up the Electoral Rules and procedure and publish same at least
fourteen days before the commencement of elections.

9. The Electoral Commission may remove any of its members on grounds of official misconduct by
simple majority of vote, if any of the staff member is involved in official misconduct, the matter shall be
referred to the Vice Chancellor for necessary action, through the Dean of Students Affairs.

10.The Chairman of the Electoral Commission shall be the Chief Electoral Officer and the other members
as Electoral Officers.

11.The Electoral Commission shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the conduct of free, fair,
transparent and credible elections.

12. The Electoral Commission shall have a representative in all faculty elections.

13.The Electoral Commission shall have powers to screen candidates for eligibility to contest in
elections.

14.The Union shall be divided into four Polling Units within one location. The Electoral Commission shall
perfect such arrangement.

15.The Electoral Commission shall perform such other duties as may be in accordance with the
provisions of this Constitution in respect of the election.

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s16. Any candidate vying for the position of the President in the Executive Council must be an Indigene
of Bayelsa State.

17. Any candidate vying for the position of the Senate President must have served as a Senator.

18. Any candidate vying for the position of the Chief Judge must have served as a Judge

19. All candidates must undergo security vetting, and be cleared by the Security Unit of the University
from membership of any student or external cult group, or any criminal behaviour.

SECTION 2

ELIGIBILITY FOR ELECTION

 Any person who wishes to contest for any position of leadership in the Students Union must be
a valid registered student in the University. And in the following year when he/she is expected
to handover, a student who does not handover properly will face a disciplinary action by the
University.
 Requirement for the office of the Union President, Vice President, General Secretary, shall
obtain a CGPA of 3.50 and above in the 5 point system and must be in his/her penultimate year
in the University however, for students in other programmes where CGPA is not used, the
students raw result shall be computed to arrive at a CGPA which must not be less than 3.50.
 Requirement for the other executive offices of the Union shall obtain a CGPA of 3.00 and above
in the 5-point system however, for students in other programmes where CGPA is not used, the
students raw result shall be computed to arrive at a CGPA which must not be less than 3.0.
 No student shall qualify for election as an officer of the Union if such a student:
I. Is on disciplinary suspension by the Union and or the University that is inimical to the
peace and order in the University.
II. Is in their first year of registration.
III. Is on academic suspension.
IV. Has been found guilty of any form of examination malpractice.
V. A course representative in any of the Department. Such Person has to resign from
present position showing a letter to that effect to be eligible.

SECTION 3

NOMINATIONS

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1. All interested members of the union vying for a position in the government shall pay a specified
amount agreed upon by the electoral committee and shall be subjected to screening by the
electoral committee after payment of funds. The Bayelsa Medical University shall approve of
such funds.
2. All nominations for elections shall bear the candidate's declaration of willingness to stand for
the post and submitted to the electoral committee.
3. Each nomination shall bear the names and signatures of the proposer and seconder who shall be
ordinary member of the Union capable of voting and being voted for in the Union elections.
4. Union elections shall be conducted by secret ballot or as stipulated by the School Management,
as the case may be.
5. The Chief Electoral Officer shall publish the names of candidates contesting in an alphabetical
order along with their proposers and seconders at least forty-eight hours before the ban on
campaign is lifted.
6. A candidate may withdraw from the elections not later than seventy-two hours before the ballot
is to be taken by writing to that effect to the Chief Electoral Officer who shall publish a list of
such withdrawal not later than twenty-four hours before the ballot is to be taken.
7. If only one candidate is nominated for any post, he/she shall be subjected to a confirmation vote
in the elections in which he/she shall obtain simple majority of the votes cast. If he/she fails to
obtain a simple majority of the vote, he/she shall not be declared elected and fresh nominations
shall be called for the post.
8. At the close of the balloting, the votes shall be counted and results announced by the Presiding
Officer in the presence of the agents of the candidates of each of the polling stations. The Chief
Electoral Officer shall announce the over-all results immediately after the announcement at the
various polling stations. Where there is a tie in election, a run-off election shall be conducted in
respect of the candidates that tied within seven days of the publication of the results of the first
election without prejudice to the provisions of this section, the Electoral Commission shall have
powers to draw up other guidelines of Students' Union Elections.

SECTION 4
ELECTION PETITIONS
1. The electoral petition committee chairman shall be the Deputy VC Academic, Faculty deans
as special members and one student from each faculty as members whom one among them
serves as secretary

2. If a candidate is disqualified by the Electoral Commission to contest during Union Elections,

such a candidate may petition against the disqualification to the Election Petition Committee
not later than two school days after the publication of the list of contestants.

3. No campaigns in respect of elections shall be declared closed unless a minimum of forty-

eight hours has elapsed from the time the Election Petitions Committee disposed of the last
disqualification petition in favour of a disqualified candidate.

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4. Any candidate or ordinary member of the Union who has reasonable cause to believe that
there was one kind of electoral malpractice or the other prior to, during or after balloting in
any Union election, may petition to the Election Petition Committee not later than two
school days after the publication of the results of the election.

5. If an election is declared null and void by the Election Petitions Committee, the Electoral
Commission shall declare the post or posts affected vacant and shall conduct a bye-election
within seven school days of such declaration.

6. The Election Petitions Committee disposes of all Petitions in respect of any election within
seven days from the expiration of the period within which a candidate is required to file his
petition as in this Article.

SECTION 5
PROCEDURES FOR IMPEACHMENT OF UNION PRESIDENT AND VICE
PRESIDENT
1. Before any impeachment proceedings is brought against the President and the Vice
President there shall be a petition from any ordinary member, any officer of the Union,
reports of allegations, groups even from the school management.

2. A letter shall be sent to the Chief Judge either by the Parliament or the Executive informing
him of the allegations and to constitute a Judicial Panel of inquiry to investigate the
allegations.

3. On completion of the Panel, the Panel report shall be sent to the Parliament for further
deliberations. But if the Panel confirms the allegations, the impeachment process shall
commence immediately.

4. If he is impeached he stands removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this
Constitution.

5. If any other Executive member or officer is to be impeached, the Parliament shall apply its
Constitutional responsibility.

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 ARTICLE 19

STAFF ADVISER

 There shall be a Staff Adviser to the Union who shall be elected by the Senate of the Union after
due consultation with the Executive Council, and approved by the Vice Chancellor.
 The Staff Adviser shall be an academic staff who has been a former student leader, a former
Dean of Students Affairs, or any academic staff with proven records of advocating and
supporting students’ courses.
 Any person so appointed shall give such advice as the Executive Council may from time to time
require.
 The Staff Adviser shall have a tenure of two years in the first instance and a maximum tenure of
four years.
 The Staff Adviser shall cease to hold office when a motion for his/her removal has been passed
and approved by the votes of two third majority of members of the Senate or such person
resigns his post.

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 ARTICLE 20

AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

 Written notice of any motion to amend the Constitution, with the suggested amendment stated
in precise terms, signed by the movers and seconded, and sent to the Senate President through
the Clerk.
 The Senate President shall ensure a copy of the proposed amendment is pasted on the Notice
Boards of the various College/Faculties within 48hours of its receipt.
 A copy of the proposed amendment of the Constitution shall be presented to the Dean of
Student Affairs.
 No amendment to this Constitution shall be valid unless it is passed by a two third majority of
the entire membership of the Union's Senate. Such amendment (s) shall become operative
following the approval of the University Senate.

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 ARTICLE 21

CITATION

This Constitution shall be cited as the Constitution of the Student Union of the Bayelsa Medical
University.

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 ARTICLE 22

CONSTITUTIONAL DRAFTING COMMITTEE, STUDENT UNION GOVERNMENT (SUG)

BAYELSA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021-2022

1. Comr. Tariere Michelle Opukeme. (Chairman)

2. Comr. Edem Bassey Edem. (General Secretary)
3. Comr. Sarah Beke –Arerebo Olorogun (P.R.O)
4. Comr. Florence Enumeruke Idu (Member)
5. Comr. Faith Tariere Efidi (Member)
6. Comr. Ichebadu Akani (Member)
7. Comr. Eri-Oluwa Oluwatobi Abolarin (Member)
8. Comr. Oghenerurie Joan Uto (Member)
9. Comr. Victor Diepreye Ayah (Member)

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