The Second Semester: Political Fervor, Amongst marked out activities

 Who else is reminded of their  political ambition, as a primary school pupil, vying  for the post of the time keeper or as a secondary school student vying for the post of the Senior Prefect? Such childish enthusiasm for politics transits elementary and secondary school, it’s a much bigger scenery in the University, full of thrills and thoughts.

Over the years, the stronghold of politics on second semesters has been unmatched and have consistently beaten other activities. Although, many other extra-curricular events are organized in the second semester, all of which roll into the biggest highlight of the year but, politica fervor outperforms all.

Gliding through leisurely, first semesters are known to be void of  activities and events, unlike  second semesters where the school calendar has only three parts: Resumption, Events and exams. Needless to say, one might fall prey to the endless streaks of “Here and there” thereby, validating only one's claim of resumption and  events, having little or nothing to show for exams. Second semester is an indication of the gradual end of terms and tenures in student politics, it goes from candidates unveiling themselves and moves on to declaring their intention to serve in an office, then virtual campaigns, physical campaigns and eventually, the grand election.

Curious? You  want to know  who is “coming” this time and  get familiar with your next generation of servant leaders? You may look further but, certainly not farther; they  are already in our faces, in the Halls of residence, Faculties, Departments and even at the Student Union level, wishing us a merry Christmas and happy new year, sending broadcast messages and colorful graphics design. Undoubtedly, it’s that season and a large number of students are quite receptive to the idea of a new tenure and term, to pilot the affairs of the student body. However, it might be a big bother to persons who are apathetic to politics due to its supposed dirty nature,  allegations of empty promises, embezzlement of funds meant for  public utility, among various events which have repeatedly played out in the larger political scene; in Nigerian politics.

It’s not rare also, to find political leaders who have once functioned in an office, running in the subsequent elections for another office. In fact, it is now a convention for political leaders to have functioned in an office before running for another office either at the faculty level, department level and even in the Halls of residence. Although, this is not a condition to running for a political office but, the student body have acquiesced this format and , quite honestly, it is not a bad one but, in some aspects, it could be unfair to persons who have just begun their political career. Another channel through which intending candidates announce their political presence is through  student influencers and political leaders alike; there would be lots of endorsements from these people, vouching for candidates and assuring students of their capacity to work and make things happen.

Walking through all of these, student politicians sacrifice a lot to make success in their political endeavors, talking of academic sacrifice, not attending their classes regularly and missing tests which in turn  drops their CGPA, a lot of them lose relationships due to their pursuit. Some of them even back out in the long run, due to various reasons,  giving their opponents easy success.

While all of these could be interesting to watch and observe, it would be in everybody’s best interest to be on guard and at alert. Earlier said, second semesters are very short, exams come in the shortest period of time and you begin to wonder if you did anything at all, studying for tests and preparing for exams at the same time with various campaign rallies to attend is not the fun, the fun is in managing one's time in such way that the most important things are not left unattended.

 In the long run, the winners will emerge and the new tenure will come just like the previous tenure left; it’s all about time that everything fades, this is yet another reason why nobody should loose their heads in the course of it all, the politicians and supporters alike.