By: Sonaike Peter

“I am coming with rewards to repay everyone according to their deeds.”

In any democratic society, the legislative arm of government plays a pivotal role in law-making and policy formulation to promote the welfare of the people. Its significance cannot be overstated, especially in serving as a check on the executive to prevent abuse of power. In Nigeria, this arm is embodied by the National Assembly, composed of 109 senators and 360 federal honorables. Each elected Senator and Federal House of Representatives member is constitutionally mandated to represent their constituents in line with the principles of the social contract. Similarly, at the University of Ibadan, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) exists to perform legislative functions on behalf of the student body.

According to the Students’ Union Constitution, “There shall be a Students’ Representative Council (SRC), hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be the representative policy-making body of the Union.” Each member of the Council represents at least a hundred students across halls of residence. There are also co-opted members mandated to represent students who might otherwise be marginalized. However, the current state of the SRC reflects a body that has strayed far from its mandate. In recent years, the Council has reduced its role to merely trimming executive budgets while neglecting its primary responsibility, being the custodian of students’ interests.

The transgressions of the 12th Assembly began with its blatant disregard for a Federal High Court order. On March 19, 2025, the court implicitly directed the Council to reinstate an elected, yet suspended member, Nice Linus. Instead, the 12th Assembly, under the leadership of Shoge Quadri, chose to defy this directive. Despite Linus’ suspension by the former UI Registrar, Mr. M.T. Musa, being unconstitutional, the Speaker failed to enact the court’s order, citing a self-concocted “due process” as justification. This was worsened by the fact that the Council appeared incapable of making an independent decision without the overbearing influence of the Speaker, who, constitutionally, is a member of the council like other honourables.

Another glaring failure of the 12th Assembly is its silence in the face of repeated executive overreach by the Students’ Union President, Covenant Odedele. Despite unilaterally cancelling the May 17 Congress twice, an action ratified by the Council, the 12th Assembly has failed to hold him accountable. The Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union, Adekanmbi Ezekiel, who categorically failed to give publicity to the congress has been left in his confidence. SRC’s negligence, raises serious concerns about the Council’s dereliction of its core duty to serve as a check on the executive. Covenant Odedele’s handling of fee concerns has been opaque and unilateral. Instead of engaging students through dialogue, the congress was shut down as an idea and the very forum designed for student participation. Contrary to the collective student voice, he has insisted on student loans as the preferred solution to the increasing commercialization of public education, all under the watchful silence of the SRC.

Equally disheartening is the Council’s approval of a ₦4000 basic due, fully aware that some students struggled to pay even the former ₦3000. Even more troubling was the Council’s failure to act on extortion reports of students being compelled to pay an additional ₦500 in certain halls, notably the Great Independence and Nnamdi Azikiwe Halls. Despite promising an inclusive Union in his manifesto, the Speaker, Shoge Quadri has presided over a Council that continues to ignore pressing student concerns.

Persisting, students continue to face challenges. Electricity rationing has worsened living conditions on campus. As reported by IndyPress on June 3, 2025, students in various halls have had to queue at Access Bank to fetch water due to power outages. Many students, forced by economic hardship, deferred their admission last session owing to unaffordable fee hikes. Now, deep into the semester, some students still struggle to secure accommodation. Three students who voiced their displeasure over the fee increase are still embroiled in unresolved disciplinary proceedings by the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC). They are likely to be victimized by the unending prosecution of the baseless case, still under the silent eyes of the Students’ Representative Council. That these urgent matters have not appeared on the Council’s agenda should begin to worry students.

Evidently, the Council has strayed from its mandate. It is safe to surmise that some members contested their positions not out of genuine concern for student welfare, but for personal gains, like accommodation, social connections, and other exclusive privileges.

Despite their extended and often tedious sittings, the Council remains largely unproductive, endlessly debating budget cuts while failing to deliver tangible representation to the student populace. When their tenure ends, many will take to social media with polished CVs boasting of “legacy” and “service,” despite their visible and memorable failures. The Council may be alive, yes, but it is far from effective, definitely bereft of introspection, remorse, and accountability.

Rather than championing student welfare, the Council seems committed to existing beneath its potential. But the Holy Book warns, “I am coming with rewards to repay everyone according to their deeds.” It is not too late for reflection. It is not too late to return to the path of true service. May God give our student leaders wisdom, knowledge and understanding, particularly at a time of lack like this.