RECRUITMENT IN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

An expression that can be universally attributed to freshmen in universities around the world is the awe and excitement in their expressions and gestures when they get on campus. One might see them walking to class or milling about in the faculty; and when a student asks, “You’re a fresher, right?” A number of them wonder how people know. It’s an aura that exudes from them. The excitement of those who have not yet been brought to heel by the Nigerian university system.

Speaking of excitement, the freshmen are not the only ones who get into a frenzy at the time of resumption.; They are rivaled only by the student organizations who greet every resumption with as much enthusiasm as the freshmen. This session, barely a week into the session, Junior Chamber International released its recruitment form and set its deadline as September 16, Red Cross, UI Chapter has released its recruitment form as well, and recruitment ended before September, and the Rotaract Club, UI. Other organizations with more niche interests like The Tax Club, the University of Ibadan, and the Student Finance Club have begun recruiting as well. Not to mention literary debating societies and press organizations in various departments and faculties across the university.

Naturally, the recruitment process is for all students of all levels of the University; but this system is not always favourable towards freshmen. For one thing, a large number of freshmen know very little about organizations at the University of Ibadan. Another thing is, that a large number of freshmen do not have mentors (stalites) that offer advice on what organizations and communities to join that allow them to explore their interests and passions and the ones that can offer a useful experience for when they graduate. Also, the greatest disadvantage is presented during the first four weeks of the academic calendar which means that this will happen during the freshman’s registration

 

In this argument, there are two sides, two opposing ends of the spectrum.

First, freshmen can be academically inclined. Thus, the extra months that the Academic Staff Union of Universities has blessed them with, are usually spent in apprehension, thinking about classes and study methods and ways to secure the best grades possible. The more socially inclined students might think about friends, societies, communities, parties, and so on. The politically inclined student might have begun to work on strategies that would get her into the political sphere. Religiously inclined students probably know where they will worship. Regardless of what their interests are, some freshmen are not aware that there are communities within the universities that share their passion and are eager to develop the same skills as them.

But what happens when these organizations begin to recruit barely a week into the semester? With no orientation or sensitization whatsoever. It might be easier for organizations and societies based in halls of residence, faculties, and departments, as they operate a lot closer to their target audience. But what about school-wide organizations and the students who do not yet know that becoming a member of these organizations is an answer to a prayer? A prayer to find individuals with similar interests, and passions and a chance to develop these skills.

 

Another facet of this problem then arises. Overexubrance. Of course, this particularly relates to freshmen, sometimes staylites fall into this trap as well. Sometimes, freshmen are ecstatic to be in school and the sheer amount of extracurricular activities is not daunting, instead, they encourage the student. And so, this student joins as many organizations, societies, committees, and clubs as she can get away with. This she not be so and can go either way. At best, she loses interest in the numerous activities; or at worst, she tries to remain active in each of these activities with their clashing schedules and so her academics pay the price instead.

Regardless of the outcome for the student, what does this mean for the organization? This means that an organization can boast of members numbering in the thousands but the percentage of active members are in the single digits.

Sensitization is important. Students making poor choices affect both the organization and the student. The growth and development a student will gain if she is a member for four years (at least) cannot be overemphasized. Organizations will also suffer if students are not sensitized enough.