By Cassius
Since the proscription of the Union in 2017, the students’ political activities have been put on hold. However, the graceful lifting of ban on the Union in late 2019 has brought about a new alliance in the relationship between the Premier Union and the Umbrella body of Nigeria’s students.
Converted participation and less publicity of the Union’s actions in the NANS affairs had birthed series of questions such as: “has the Union been participating in NANS since ban was lifted on it, why is there less publicity about union actions? However, neither were the voices muffled, hands chained, nor legs were shackled. As the Assistant General Secretary of the Students’ Union, Mr. Mustapha Oluwakayode stated: “UISU has been participating actively in NANS affairs”.
While he was interviewed, Mr. Oluwakayode boasted that University of Ibadan Students’ Union has been the most active participant in NANS most especially, Oyo state JCC. Participation in series of activities such as; attendance of various meetings, conventions where UI students, Mascot and Lincoln contested, End ASUU strike Protest.
However, resounding echo of doubts considering the University’s strict position on UI involvement in NANS and the manifestoes of the opponent of Mr. Oluwakayode for the post of Union’s AGS, Mr. Omotosho Adesina which radically pushed for total involvement of UI in NANS, however, the convener of this idea was defeated, but the idea of repositioning UISU as a giant in NANS still stands firm.
The expected emergence of aspirants to various NANS offices is a testimony to the alliance between UISU and NANS. Although, hands are tied and actions are restricted at the national level of NANS but, Oyo state JCC has been a favourable playground for UI pioneers given that there are institutions of lower cadre in Oyo state. Despite this, UI is always at the lower grip of politics interplay, losing offices contested for.
Emergence of Azeez Jelil (African Lincoln) and the incumbent Assistant General Secretary of the Union, Mustapha Oluwakayode (Oluwakay), both contesting for Chairman and the General Secretary respectively are the seeds of hope UI wish to nurture in a bid to cement the relationship while also seeking to be the new voice of we voiceless. Upon examination of various manifestoes, the reality dawned that they are willing to be an agent of change, but at what costs?
The price payable for candidates’ endorsement in mainstream affairs is that of debt of tile, concentration and funds of the Union. This however is beyond the question of price, like Meghnad Desai opined. Dirty politics, permutations and propaganda that fly during NANS conventions are all debts which UI may or may not pay the price.
UI through the office of the special adviser to Oyo state Government, Mr. Victor Olojede “facilitated the provision of palliatives for the students during the COVID 19 lockdown and also during Ramadan, palliatives and reliefs were gotten for Muslim students”, these are dividends of participation and relations outside the fore wall of the University, the AGS claimed.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
But the critical reception of the alliance considering the inability of NANS itself in resolving pressing issues in Unibadan, despite the fact that it treads the same road of Aluta, UISU is left to carry out burdens like failed students carries their backlogs. Considering vehement victimization of students from its management, previous suspension of the Union, increase in fees Free Mote, No ID Card Saga etc. UISU is left to carry our burdens, while mere broadcasts, distant accusations are the Union has been gaining from our alliance with “Outside Associations”.
Now, the penny-worth question is that; is it of utmost necessity to be involved in NANS or other Students’ Union umbrella body?, Considering an association living on the glory of its founding fathers and past glories like Arsenal Football Club, or an association which has placed it’s destiny and stooge in the hands of the politicians while they claimed to fight this same politicians unfavorable policies, How antithetical?.
MY MOTION
As Yoruba Adage would put it, “Eni to ba ma da so fun ni, torun la ma n Koko wo” ( He who wants to gift a new clothe should not be found wanton of wearing rags). Critical juxtaposition of alliances should be justified. I do not claim to say UI and Uites involvement in NANS activities are unwarranted, neither do I claimed to say it is warranted, but whatever it is, the epilogue which summarized the whole episode is clearly reviewed by the characters in UI play (Management and students). Ire ooooo!!!
