Upholding Transparency: The Imperative for Student Leaders

Recent events at the University of Ibadan have spotlighted the urgent need for transparency and ethical conduct within student governance. Following mass protests on July 16 and 17, 2024, the student community requested a congress to address pressing issues such as fee hikes. Despite a formal petition supported by 250 signatories, calling for a congress on July 27, 2024, the student union leadership's response has been notably absent. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of student leadership and, adhering to transparency principles that are crucial for sound governance.

 

The Role of Student Leaders

Student leaders are representatives of the student body, advocating for their needs and interests while engaging in decision-making processes. These roles entail significant responsibilities, including addressing student concerns, proposing solutions, and ensuring that their actions reflect the collective interests of their constituents. However, the recent failure to convene a congress as requested highlights a troubling disconnect between the responsibilities of student leaders and their actions. This incident shows a broader issue where personal ambitions may overshadow the primary objective of serving the student body.

 

The Importance of Transparency

Transparency is a fundamental principle that underpins effective governance. As Julie Sweet aptly notes, "We believe that transparency is needed to create trust, and it is also needed to create a dialogue." In student politics, transparency means that the actions and decisions of student leaders are conducted openly and are subject to scrutiny. Transparent practices are vital for building trust between student leaders and students. When students are kept informed about decisions and the rationale behind them, they are more likely to believe that their leaders are acting in their best interests. Furthermore, transparency ensures that student leaders are held accountable for their actions, a crucial factor in preventing misconduct and maintaining the integrity of student governance. It also contributes to fairness by ensuring that decisions are made based on clear criteria and are open to review. This helps prevent favouritism and assures equitable treatment of all students.

The failure to call Congress, as stipulated by the student union constitution and despite having the required number of signatories, reflects a significant lapse in transparency. Such actions, or lack thereof, not only undermine trust but also compromise the integrity of student leadership.

 

Consequences of Misusing Political Power

The misuse of political power within student governments can have far-reaching consequences. When student leaders prioritise personal gain or engage in favouritism, it leads to several negative outcomes and the misuse of power damages the trust between student leaders and their constituents. When students perceive their leaders as self-serving or corrupt, it leads to widespread disillusionment and disengagement which leads to a lack of transparency and accountability which results in reduced student engagement. When students feel that their voices are ignored or manipulated, they are less likely to participate in governance processes. Favouritism and a lack of transparency can lead to unequal treatment among students, exacerbating existing grievances and creating a divided student body.

 

Past examples show that breaches of transparency and ethical standards often lead to significant unrest and reforms. Such incidents are warnings about the potential consequences of failing to uphold ethical principles.

 

Strategies for Upholding Transparency

To address these issues and restore trust in student governance, several strategies can be implemented. Student leaders must maintain open lines of communication with the student body, including providing regular updates on decisions and actions taken by the student government. Regular reporting on the progress of initiatives and issues helps keep students informed and engaged and allows for timely feedback and course corrections. Establishing robust feedback mechanisms enables students to voice their concerns and provides a platform for addressing issues transparently. Developing and adhering to a code of ethics can help ensure that all actions and decisions are made with integrity and transparency, with such guidelines emphasising the importance of accountability and fairness.

 

 The Role of Students in Promoting Ethical Leadership

 

While student leaders have a responsibility to act ethically, students themselves also play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability. Students should actively participate in governance processes, attend meetings, and engage with their representatives. This active involvement helps hold leaders accountable and ensures that the student government remains responsive to their needs. Student organisations and media can raise awareness about the importance of transparency and ethical behaviour. By highlighting issues and fostering discussions, they can drive positive change within the student government. Additionally, students can support leaders who demonstrate integrity and transparency. Advocacy for these values helps create a culture of accountability and ensures that student leaders are held to high ethical standards.

The recent challenges at the University of Ibadan call for the urgent need for transparency and ethical conduct in student leadership. Adhering to these principles is essential not only for maintaining trust but also for ensuring effective and equitable governance. As the student body and their representatives work to address current issues, it is crucial to recommit to these values. Transparency and accountability should be the cornerstones of student governance, driving positive change and fostering a more engaged and fair student community. The call to action is clear: student leaders must embrace these principles, and students must actively support and demand ethical leadership to ensure a thriving and trustworthy student government.