By: Gbayesola Samuel
Welcome to the epic drama that runs in a continuous cycle. Another fresh episode is about to drop. Assume student politics in the University of Ibadan is a Nollywood movie, a never-ending series with a well casted episode. Same plot, recycled characters, but different titles. Each season opens with campaign jingles, promising “proficiency, rejuvenation, amelioration, resurgence”, just to name a few. But by the second episode, the scriptwriters have already forgotten the storyline.
The viewers, otherwise known as the concerned students, are left watching a tragicomedy. “Don’t let them use you,” they say. But that political warning, as instructive as it is, often comes too late.
The freshers have already been handed campaign flyers, while the staylites nod along. “Well, he is from my hall and once helped me print my assignments.” That, as you may agree, is a patronage built on sentiment rather than competence. Yet, in our grand theatre of politics, such sentimental credentials are enough to crown kings and queens.
What Our Politics Has Been Reduced to
Once upon a time, student leaders were bold activists, defenders of student rights and welfare, and thorns in the side of management. Today? The reverse has been the case. They are more like brand ambassadors. Rather than challenging the anti-student policies with the sense of courage it deserves, the current student leadership on our campus dances to the tune of the “Oyomesi” at the detriment of the students. They are used to smiling, making promises but vanishing after being elected. Whereas, those, whose interests they vow to project, perish like sheep without a shepherd.
Campaigns are often fraught with manifestos that read like tech startup pitches .“We will revolutionize accommodation. Translation: Pray your squatting arrangement works out. We will ensure affordable dues. Translation: Prepare your ₦3,000, including ₦500 extortion tax. We will give students a stronger voice. Translation: We will be mute till further notice even if it will cost you your welfare.”
At the heart of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union politics are the freshmen, the cheapest assets used for political propaganda. With their naivety and eagerness to belong, they are quickly transformed into mere foot soldiers. Before they even know the difference between Congress and congressmen, they are already chanting slogans and campaigning as though their academics success depends on it.
This community with a ‘tabula rasa’ mindset is often lured by the promise of preferential treatments such as accommodation allotments, and used as a steeping stone to political success.
By the time the reality sets in, they have been used and dumped. In other words, the University of Ibadan Students’ Union politics has been reduced to a game of misrepresentation students never ask for, sentiments that should have been left in village meetings, and benefits that only a select few enjoy. And the worst part? We keep buying the ticket to watch this same tragicomedy every session.
The university is supposed to be a breeding ground for future leaders, those who can think critically, respond to challenges, and solve problems. Yet, those ideals are fast fading. Student leaders, once the voice of the oppressed, are now the voice of the oppressors, chosing mutism over championing the student rights. It is apparent that our student politics, just like national politics, has been marked by sentiment rather than competence.
We are approaching that season again when they will come to solicit for your support, but be enlightened (freshers) that the competence of leadership is not determined by one’s command of flawless grammer, but by the capacity to address issues, and bring genuine happiness to the people.
Mr Fresher, Don’t let Them Use You
During election seasons, the halls transform into political parties. Alliances are formed, campaigns are staged, and manifestos are crafted out with flowery promises. Freshmen are often swept along as pawns of “Agenda 26” or whatever catchy slogan the season brings.
They are told to vote not on competence, but on sentiment. “It won’t look good if your brother doesn’t win.”
But as a freshman, refuse to be used. When they approach you seeking for political support, engage them critically on student welfare and the issues affecting the student community on campus. Even long before the election, take your time to attend SRC sittings and observe how student welfare is being addressed by your representatives. Also, at your hall, department and faculty, prioritize attending the legislative sittings, Congresses and other important activities capable of affecting your welfare in the long run . Never allow yourself to be a pawn, demand accountability.
‘Oga’ Staylite, This Apathy Will Kill You
The political warning is not only intended for freshers but also directed to you, the staylites . At the University of Ibadan, it is apparent that a significant number of returning students are indifferent to holding the leadership responsible for their welfare accountable.
Meanwhile, this apathy is not a problem for the political class, it is their greatest weapon . So, your apathy will do more harm than good. Whether you vote or not, their administrative performance or underperformance will affect you in the long run, if not sooner. By choosing apathy over active and critical participation in the decision-making processes that concern you , you contribute to the emergence of student leaders who are beholden not to the over 33000-strong student body, but to the few hundred who put them in power. They know they don’t need to earn the trust of the majority, only the support of a faction.
The 12th Assembly
So, the Students’ Union President unilaterally cancelled the ratified gathering of the apex organ of the Union twice and he went scout free. Mr. Speaker, are you really speaking? Yet, You and your ‘disciples’ chose silence over solidarity, as two students who peacefully protested against the systematization of fee Increment were handed four semesters suspension. Of what use is then the existence of a representative council that does not represent student advocacy? The Students’ Representative Council, led by Shoge Quadri, also treated Federal High Court order to reinstate a suspended member with contempt. This same Council failed to call some student leaders to book for defaulting its basic dues policy. Many are the sins of the Students’ Representative Council, but will they ever be forgiven? It is pathetic that these days, our Council has been reduced to merely approving the executive budget rather than living up to its mandate of championing students’ welfare.
COHC and COFP
The only notable achievement of the current Councils of Hall Chairpersons and Faculty Presidents has been their successful proposal to increase basic dues. Ever since, they have been nowhere to be found when it comes to student advocacy, especially at the critical time they were needed. The two councils also chose silence over a solidarity with the two suspended students of the University. The duo of Ayodele Aduwo and Mide Gbadegesin were handed four semesters suspension on July 14, 2025. Their ‘crime’? Holding placards with the inscription “fees must fall.”
More concerning is the neglect of pressing issues related to student accommodations, including poor living conditions.
Very soon, the same leaders will endorse candidates for Students’ Union positions, campaigning to get them elected and put thousands of the University of Ibadan students in boundage.
The Way Forward
Your vote is the most powerful tool you possess. It is not a biscuit or a sweet. Never trade it for accommodation or a token of loyalty based on affiliation. It is a mandate. Don’t sell it. Before you join that next movement, remember to ask yourself. Is this candidate capable enough for the task? Vote for vision, not sentiment.
Vote competence, not who organizes the loudest freshers’ party. We can hold leaders accountable. We can demand the adequate representation we deserve. But only if we refuse to be used.
