It is a new semester, the second half of the academic session. This period often shapes many of the defining moments on campus, from academic engagements to major student activities and anticipated events. It is also the season of politics, social engagements, and the contest for influence and leadership.

While these activities return every year, they are not without purpose. Perhaps the most defining feature of the second semester is its political atmosphere. For many students, campus politics becomes a serious affair because it influences virtually every aspect of student life. Yet, as another political season begins, the questions we have always asked remain unanswered: Will competence prevail over popularity? Will history repeat itself with leaders who make promises but abandon them after assuming office? Will students remain non-partisan and demand accountability rather than personalities?

As lectures resume and campus regains its rhythm, the questions that matter most are not about what has changed, but about what will.

On leadership: Will leadership move beyond promises to performance?

It has become a recurring culture for aspirants to make ambitious promises before elections, only for those promises to fade once they assume office. Often, it is only when another election approaches that activities suddenly increase and forgotten commitments reappear.

During the previous session, several administrations from the Students’ Union to hall, faculty and departmental associations fell short of campaign promises. One example is Team Altruism, whose administration has yet to deliver hall merchandise paid for by students in the previous session.

While the merchandise mascot design was decided in July, When students demanded accountability, satisfactory explanations remained scarce. Not to mention several other manifesto plans that never saw the light of the day. 

On the road from promise to plan delivery has remained another recurring concern which is accountability. In recent years, allegations ranging from financial misconduct and abuse of office to disciplinary referrals involving elected officials have repeatedly surfaced.

Whether from the 2023 allegations against the then Students’ Union PRO, to concerns raised during the Covenant Oladele administration ranging from the alleged financial misconduct and authority breach, or the recent disciplinary proceedings involving the Assistant General Secretary, these incidents have again revealed the riot that exists in our leadership.

Student politics should not become merely a ladder to higher office. In recent times, some representatives appear more focused on their next election than on fulfilling the mandate they were elected to perform. Representation loses its meaning when offices become stepping stones rather than platforms for service.

Leadership is not measured by campaign speeches or election victories but by service, accountability, and visible impact.While this season may be characterized by a known culture where sentiment and popularity beats competency and ability to effectively deliver as promised, the expectation remains the same: leadership must justify the confidence reposed in it.

Will students remain spectators or become active participants?

Democracy only works when the people actively participate.

While the May 6 protest recorded some successes in terms of student participation, it also exposed a troubling reality: student apathy. Many students who were affected by the same welfare challenges chose to remain indifferent rather than participate in demanding accountability. It is disheartening when students continue with normal activities while others advocate for better welfare on their behalf. 

The Constitution provides for at least one congress every semester, yet attendance often remains poor unless students are compelled or transportation is provided. This raises an important question: are students genuinely interested in shaping the decisions that affect them?

Political apathy is equally evident during elections. In recent years, student elections have increasingly become contests decided by only a small fraction of the student population. With a university population of over 33,000 students, only a few thousand determine those who eventually represent everyone. A democracy cannot thrive when participation is limited to election day or confined to a minority.

On Welfare: Will student welfare finally receive sustained attention?

Student welfare remains one of the most persistent concerns on campus.

Although some remedial measures have been introduced, tangible improvements remain limited. Electricity remains the most visible challenge. The first semester held reports experiencing recurring disruptions linked to the Ring Road 5 transformer, irregular power rationing, and the absence of a predictable supply schedule.

Water supply remains closely tied to electricity. Whenever power outages persist beyond 24 hours, water shortages quickly follow, leaving students to grapple with basic necessities. While technical explanations are frequently provided, lasting solutions remain elusive.

Transportation presents another challenge. Despite attempts to regulate operations, students still report cases of extortion and drivers refusing certain destinations because of fare disputes. Existing measures should be strengthened, with clear sanctions for offenders.

Accommodation also deserves attention. Beyond the struggle to secure bed spaces, the condition of many halls of residence continues to deteriorate. From sanitation concerns in Mellanby Hall to hygiene issues across several hostels, many of these problems remain unresolved. Kitchenettes in several halls are still ‘unfit’ for use, reflecting a pattern of temporary interventions rather than sustainable improvements.

Security is another issue that deserves greater attention. Reports of reckless driving on campus, particularly at night, continue to surface. The incident in Indy Hall, where a resident was nearly hit by a speeding vehicle, illustrates the risks students continue to face.

Will our learning conditions improve?

These concerns continue to resurface because lasting solutions remain absent. The real challenge is not identifying the problems but demonstrating the commitment to solve them.

A popular saying holds that “The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism” 

Criticism should never be viewed as a personal attack. Rather, it is a necessary scrutiny of the systems, institutions, and individuals entrusted with responsibility. Accountability is impossible where questions are discouraged.

For the health of our democracy and the progress of the student community, the difficult questions must continue to be asked. Journalism has a responsibility to pursue those answers, but students also share that responsibility within their various constituencies.

Unfortunately, timidity, institutional pressure, victimisation of dissenting voices, press suppression, and constitutional limitations within some associations have discouraged constructive criticism. Questions are not signs of hostility; they are instruments of accountability.

The new semester has begun. The questions are familiar, not far fetched. Whether they remain the same by the end of the semester depends on the choices made today. Every student, leader, lecturer, and stakeholder has a role in shaping the answers.

The true measure of the months ahead will not be how many lectures are delivered or events are organised, but whether this university community finds the courage to provide better answers than it did yesterday.