Seeing Beyond the Facade, A Call To Action And Unionism

 By: Osuolale Oluwatomilayo (Duchess)

Politics, always attributed to being a dirty game, at the University of Ibadan, is a laudable effort. Although many are apathetic, this has not quenched the ever-burning fire of the intending student union officeholders. The fliers on the grounds, walls, doors and even on clothes are only the beginning of what is to come. 

The University of Ibadan is home to thousands of students from far and wide, not limited to race, ethnicity and social status. Students coexist and cooperate. For cooperation to be a factor, unionism must be one first. This is why great importance and power are placed on the student union. 

However, wherever there is a system, it is only expected that occasionally, it gets abused.

The atmosphere in the school is one of those where everything has a political agenda, for instance, the fire outbreak in our very own Queen Elizabeth II Hall on the 5th of December 2024 was one of the unexpected but perfect opportunities for solidarity letters to fly about. While this is much appreciated, it still seems almost superficial and not genuine seeing as every individual had a chance to be in the spotlight and hopefully win some more votes. And be in the spotlight, they shall. 

Politics is indeed a game only the sharp-minded and determined can play. It is known to be one of the greatest causes of rivalry amongst people. Everyone’s candidate is the “right one”. But this is not the time to convince people unless real evidence can be tendered. 

Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made promises we heard but did not see. Anybody can make promises, outliving and fulfilling them is what matters. 

The agendas must be seen and heard.

Likewise, this is that period where everybody is undoubtedly “your friend”. Smiling faces everywhere, the politest approach, fake greetings as everyone is suddenly “my leader” “my oga” “my boss”. Aspiring candidates are suddenly everywhere and all up in our faces. This attribute of people contesting for positions makes people wary of them because being there like you care and suddenly leaving when you’ve achieved what you want can be hurtful. But then, it is not to generalise. Some might be for us. 

Taking an example of those in the positions of power currently and some of the inadequacies that the students at the University have pointed out about them, it wouldn’t be such a surprise if the incoming student union faced the backlash intended for their predecessors. 

It is a continuous line, and history has been made surely, whether good or bad, it lies in the palms of those who hold power and how they wield it.

Tolu, a 200-level EHS student says “Choosing who holds that power lies in everyone’s hands and that is why being swayed by the fake greetings and deceitful support and/or solidarity could cause more harm than good. This is not saying every or even one aspiring candidate is deceitful.”

Hence, people sometimes ask why we are apathetic and uninterested in politics. What can be done to rectify it?

We are all watching, we are all judging. We wish to do better and be better, but we let others do that for us. 

In the confinement of their rooms, they make decisions regarding our livelihood, survival and even studentship and yet we go with the flow, if the shoe fits. 

While we watch, we act. Making the right decision when voting is not just for one man but the whole school. 

Let the idea of voting cause someone who happens to be your friend be dead. 

The most successful democratic societies only grew because of the vibrancy and engagement of the population not only in voting but also in correct decision-making.

As we approach the finish line of this session, we hope the ever-vibrant intending members are for us and against us, and the vibr

ancy never be quenched.