A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP AND THE QUESTION OF CHANGE
By Osuolale Oluwatomilayo
The time has come for the train to move. One batch has departed, and a new one has arrived, marking the beginning of a fresh session. The baton has been passed to a new generation of leaders, and past administrations are proud of the "legacy" they have left behind. However, this legacy may have been tainted by unfulfilled promises, and a general disregard for major roles and responsibilities.
Initially, apathy was cited as the issue, but it's clear that inefficacy within the constituting body are the real problems. Now that the calendars have crossed out election season, and a new administration is in place, it is time for a much needed change. As the Yorubas say, "Adupe pe omi lo danu, awo o fo" - the water has spilled, but the plate is not broken, so who says a ruined job can't be fixed?
We have grown so accustomed to the aroma of the normal that we forget what standards should be upheld. Although the hierarchical system is flawed, at the start of new dispensation, changes should arise.
This piece aims not to criticize but to acknowledge and remind the new body of executives across halls, faculties and finally, to the head of state. After all, it is already known that the running of a successful society is not only executed by the body that controls it but whom the body reports to.
Over the years, the construct of student politics has been ridiculed as a facade of what it should be. Student unionism should be an organized movement where students in higher education institutions come together, often through student unions, to represent their interests, advocate for their rights, and participate in university governance. It is about time the actual job is done.
It has been decided that while some executives, particularly in Queen Elizabeth II hall proved their worth in the previous session, some fell short of their promises. If one holds a magnifying glass, the more you wonder, the less you see. There are indeed larger fish to fry.
This writer, in a bid to advise the new administration, has a few points directed not only at the home hall but as far as this piece travels.
Beyond constitutional duties lies the human responsibilities we should possess. Leaders often forget that the individuals beneath them are people capable of right decision making and thought process. Building sustainable relationships with people exceed the regular “please vote for me”. After all, we are in auspicious times so the outcome should be indeed favorable.
Executives should look beyond the confines of their offices and engage with students directly. By doing so, they can gain a deeper understanding of student concerns and perspectives. Effective leadership involves listening to students' voices and being visible and accessible. As the adage goes, 'seeing is believing, and hearing is trusting.’
The Students’ Representative Council has been put in place to speak on behalf of the student but it is susceptible to flaws and hear-says. In as much as fellow students also hold these offices, the decision of a minority should not overrule that of the majority. Nevertheless, the efforts to engage students have not gone unnoticed.
Transparency and accountability should not be out of the question. It is essential to critically evaluate the verity of information prior to its dissemination, as accuracy can significantly impact outcomes. In the running of a state, due diligence is important. The 4 Ps - People, Performance, Philosophy, and Process - should guide decision-making.
Are the people satisfied? Is your performance worthy? What is your thought process and philosophy affecting the choices you have made and is about to make? How do you intend to make this initiative a reality and connect to the student body?
The proliferation of misinformation can have adverse outcomes, similar to those seen on social media platforms where fake news spreads rapidly. To combat this, student leaders should prioritize fact-checking and verifying information before sharing it.
The assumption of responsibility is an inherent imperative for leaders, entailing a profound duty to prioritize the needs and interests of their constituents. We are therefore liable to the right to question any candidate that fails to see this to the end. The responsibility of being just to every student making this system a whole lies in the palms of those who wield it. The service of student leaders should be built on trust, accountability, and a commitment to the student body.
As leaders, it is important to recognize that promises made during campaigns are not mere rhetorics, but binding commitments that must be upheld. The erosion of trust between students and leaders can have dire consequences, including disillusionment, apathy, and decreased student engagement. Then again, we say apathy could be the issue.
We still ask the question: can our leaders do better? If the norm can be broken and the status quo changed, only then can there be authentic leadership and the rebirth of unionism we have begged for.
While there are no guarantees of immediate success, addressing pressing issues such as electoral malpractice and the question on press freedom can be an important step towards progress. The complexities of societal problems require sustained efforts, but initiating meaningful change will prepare the way for future advancements.
They say aluta continua and we have screamed that we are so tired to continue, we still remain optimistic that victory would be certain.
Although, there is that nagging, constant reminder that the unjust malignancy in our political system which has been adopted as a norm should be relinquished, else the struggle we are eager to fight for would not be in our favor and posterity would surely be unkind.
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