By Abdulrasheed Olokoto

In an election held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Najimdeen Robiu Ayomide, popularly known as Surest, was elected unopposed as the Secretary of State of the Great Independence Hall.

Robiu is a 400-level student of Soil Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, and the current Secretary of State (SOS) of Great Independence Hall.

While explaining his reason for aspiring to the office, Robiu said his ambition was not driven merely by title or visibility, but by a sincere desire to serve the Hall that had shaped him. He therefore promised to discharge the duties of the office with diligence, accountability, and respect for the institution he represents.

In addition to his constitutional duties, Robiu made four promises to Katangites. These include video tutorial sessions, the establishment of a physical library for Katangites, a food bank initiative, and training sessions on essay writing and scholarship applications.

On Video Tutorial Sessions

Robiu promised to strengthen the academic performance of Katangites by introducing video tutorial sessions. According to his manifesto, the tutorials would be recorded and securely stored on Google Drive during the semester to preserve the lessons for future reference and enable students to revise and reinforce their understanding.

Observations by IndyPress reveal that the initiative never took place as promised in his manifesto. When contacted by IndyPress, Robiu noted that he was unable to fulfil the promise as planned due to unforeseen circumstances. He said had been working towards its fulfilment and promised to actualise it before the examination period.

He had also stated in his manifesto that, to maintain the culture of in-person attendance, the videos would not be released immediately. Instead, they would be released around the eighth or ninth week and gradually uploaded to the Katanga Hall YouTube Channel, allowing students to review key concepts at their own pace during the revision period.

There were no such video tutorials during the first semester, while the second semester is now in its eleventh week. Responding to the observation made, Robiu attributed the delay in the second semester to the adjusted academic calendar and promised to fulfil the commitment before the examination period.

On the Establishment of a Physical Library for Katangites

To support academic excellence in the Hall, Robiu promised to establish a physical library for Katangites. He said the library would provide students with access to essential textbooks, particularly when phones or digital resources were unavailable, such as during examination periods when there might not be a stable power supply in the Hall.

According to his manifesto, students would be able to borrow textbooks for study or revision. To ensure the sustainability of the library, all books would be carefully catalogued, while borrowers would be responsible for returning them in good condition.

IndyPress can confirm that the physical library initiative was launched. However, when asked whether books were being lent to Katangites who needed them, he explained that books were available to students, but not for long-term borrowing.

The Books Catalogue

On the Food Bank Initiative

“The Food Bank Initiative is inspired by my personal experience and the struggles some Katangites face during exam periods. I know what it feels like to be broke and stranded, struggling to focus on studies because you can’t even afford a proper meal,” Robiu stated in his manifesto.

He promised a food bank initiative designed to support students who genuinely needed assistance, allowing them to focus on their academics without worrying about food. He stated that selected students would receive essential food items, including rice and other basic provisions, during critical periods.

According to Robiu, his administration fed 10 Katangites in the morning and at night throughout the first-semester examination period. He further explained that the beneficiaries were selected through Google Forms circulated via the Floor Representatives.

When asked why prepared meals were provided instead of the foodstuffs outlined in his manifesto, he explained that meals were the most suitable option at the time.

On Training Sessions on Essay Writing and Scholarship Applications

Robiu noted that many Katangites apply for scholarships or write academic essays but often fall short, not necessarily because they lack intelligence, but because they lack guidance on structure, clarity, and presentation.

To address this, he promised to organise training sessions on essay writing and scholarship applications.

When asked about the fulfilment of this promise, the SOS said he had fulfilled it by partnering with The Fort Institute to organise a workshop themed, “Empowering Students Through Essay Writing: Bridge the Gap Between Creativity and Financial Opportunity.”

The workshop was held on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Indy Hall Junior Common Room (JCR).

Photo from the essay-writing workshop

Robiu further promised to collaborate with the Indy Hall Literary and Debating Society to organise another training session.

As the session progresses, attention will remain on whether these proposals will remain sure or a mere promise.