Opinions

Charting the course for a more effective students’ union, my two cents

As we plodded down the desolate campus street late at night, following the University of Ibadan management’s decision that all students must vacate the premises earlier that day, we chatted and reminisced about what used to be a highly effective, efficient, and revered students’ union, through tales we’d heard and evidence gleaned from various sources. A friend who had earned a first degree from one of Africa’s former Ivy League universities shared how vibrant and compelling the student union at his alma mater used to be. He also recalled how rigorous the election process was, noting that it wasn’t merely based on popularity.

He was still lost in nostalgia when I brought him back to reality with a thought-provoking question: “Now that student unions in 21st-century Nigerian universities are feckless, how can they be revived?”

He paused before responding. “By channeling a united front through the union,” he said. When I asked for more clarity, he explained that for student unions in Nigerian universities to be revived, they need to unite under a national association comprising representatives from all university student unions in the country.

I pointed out that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) already exists. He responded that NANS, too, has ceased to be as effective as it once was, due to various factors, including politicisation and falsification of studentship. Hence, he argued, there is a need for a paradigm shift.

To support his argument, he asserted that in the ongoing debate over fee hikes in Nigerian universities, a united National Students’ Union would have a more significant impact in advocating for the reduction of school fees in federal universities. He further argued that a united student union would ensure that the union is respected and feared by the government, students, and university management across the country. These pressure groups, he emphasised, should focus solely on promoting student welfare through intellectual debates and resisting oppressive policies from the government and university administrators.

With a united front, the union would be able to express its views to authorities when they err and, importantly, enjoy the patriotic support of the student community.

Regrettably, the pervasive corruption and political climate in Nigeria have rendered democratic institutions, especially student unions, ineffective. The student union, once a watchdog, has been restrained to the point of becoming a toothless bulldog. The mentality of accumulating wealth and the corrupt actions of Nigerian state actors have deeply influenced the student union. As a result, student unions in Nigeria have become corrupt and biased, abandoning democratic values and principles. As reported by *Daily Trust* in December 2005 and cited by Tanimu Umar in 2018, the situation has seen a significant and sorrowful change over recent years. Today, student unionism is ineffective, and worse still, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has turned into a group of sycophants. NANS and most SUGs in universities have become beggars and cheerleaders for the Nigerian government. A stark example of this is the statement made by the National President of NANS, Kenneth Orkuma Hembe, in which he declared that Nigerian students supported President Olusegun Obasanjo for a third term in office (*Daily Trust*, December 8, 2005).

In addition to their sycophantic and deceitful behaviour, the majority of student union leaders are also corrupt. Almost all student unions in the country have seen their leaders ousted prematurely due to corrupt activities. Most student union leaders, especially in SUGs, tend to purchase cars and land before their terms end, seeing their positions as opportunities to make money. Instead of dedicating themselves to the spirit of *Aluta*, many student union leaders are seen aimlessly driving the student union bus and taking advantage of complimentary meals from approved campus food vendors.

Regrettably, this seems to be their interpretation of the purpose of the student union. While running for positions, many students are required to pay for the privilege of speaking to their fellow students by providing “marching ground” fees or buying drinks. This behaviour not only contradicts democracy and progress but also mirrors the broader political landscape in Nigeria.

The vibrant and committed student union that once existed in Nigeria appears to have been consumed by the prevalent “dirty politics” in the country. The lack of unity within the student union has prevented it from collectively speaking out against issues such as senseless killings, worsening economic conditions, rejection of local government autonomy, poor educational standards, and authoritarian school officials. This not only exposes students to oppression but also suggests that the student union in Nigeria is close to disappearing.

Ultimately, it is crucial to not only enhance democratic institutions but also to embrace and exhibit a democratic culture in all aspects of life in Nigeria. The student union needs to awaken and respond to the urgent need for the liberation of both Nigerian students and the general population from anti-democratic and reactionary influences. The struggle must continue. Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta.

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