By – Oluwadamilare Jesuferanmi
It’s no longer news that the student union has been reinstated and the ban on student union election campaigns lifted. Campaign activities now float everywhere; vote seekers and campaign managers taking over all halls of residence and faculties. This will be an overwhelming experience for those that didn’t witness the firsthand Student Union activities before the suspension. They should also keep in mind not to be carried away by the political stochasticity. In a democratic state where votes counts and everyone must exercise his or her franchise and cast their votes wisely because it’s going to be a good year of healthy administration or vice versa, the choice is here.
However, aspirants should also bear in mind that this a humanitarian service to the University community but it’s so sad that, when these aspirants eventually emerge into the office, oftentimes, they do forget their purpose and that of their office, and how they got there. They forget their ‘padi’ which are the students that solicited and campaigned for them, which may erupt into an internal misunderstanding in their administration. Aristotle once said that he who never learned to obey cannot be a good commander, which bring us to the point of the constitutional duties of offices to be occupied; if an Executive or Honorable can’t act in line with the constitution, to what end is the administration?
On the other hand, the convocation ceremony should also be in check which will kick start on the 2nd week of November 2019. Lecture free for all, which should be well utilized to put all academic activities in order and not to be carried away with ‘from tents to tents’ agenda. Rejoice with those rejoicing, celebrate and appreciate the graduands. This is not just a celebration but also a reminder that the academic journey started will end one day, therefore, make hay when it is yet day.
Jaw War 2019 is in the view. In less than ten days, the battle of words between mighty halls of residents and great faculties will commence. It has always been an intense, educative and entertaining program on campus. In 2018, as intense as the competition was, at the grand finale of the battle which was between faculties of Law and Education as well as between Sultan Bello Hall and Lord Tedder Hall of residence, the battle still ended with a victor and a vanquished for either of the categories.
Nevertheless, winners will want to hold tight to that which they have, that is, the defending champions won’t want to lose to anyone, but the question is ‘do they have what it takes to defend the crown?’ The answer to this question can only be received and witnessed at this year’s battle. As the battle draw neigh, don’t forget that getting to the venue early is the real deal and making each day count because no one wants to be told the story. Some heroes will be slain, some will be defeated but only the strong and the witful heroes will stand.
In all, it is expected of every student to participate in the upcoming Students’ Union election in the varsity. Don’t be in a dismal state because it won’t be forceful voting. However, in the end, to what end will it be if there happened to be a tyrant in the office. By then, it would have been too late to vote. In a democratic state, voting is a right, then, why won’t some cast their votes in which they have earned as being a student. Being politically apathetic is understandable, but in all, be wise.
