POLITICAL PROFILE: KNOW YOUR P.R.O
In this week’s episode of political profile, Aduwo Ayodele, sits with Ouseye Oluwaseun, the PRO of AFAS.
Please, tell us about yourself.
My name is Oluseye Oluwaseun, politically and popularly known as Active Don. I’m a 300-level student of Theatre Arts. I’m the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O), at the Association of Faculty of Art Students. I’m a student politician, brand promoter, publicist, education consultant, writer, and critic.
Before now, in what areas have you served?
Aside from the leadership roles in primary and secondary school where I served as Senior Prefect, Class Captain, and President of the Mathematics Club, I served as the General Secretary of my Church Headquarters Youth Forum and as the P.R.O of my Church Youths Forum. I am also the Class Representative of my class. I have been appointed as head of many committees.
Can you tell us how the journey into campus politics began and what motivated you?
When I gained admission into the University of Ibadan, I planned to either involve in politics or journalism. As a callow freshman, I thought I could do both politics and press but later I realized I can do just one. Since I have the plans for my political journey written on a piece of paper, I pursued politics and am still pursuing it. I’ve always loved to serve as a leader.
What is politics to you?
Well, Politics is a game based on influence, structure, and population (number).
What are your underlying principles in Politics?
Be real. Don’t fake it! Let people or the electorates see who you are. Don’t come up with activities, attitudes, and actions to hoodwink people into voting for you. It is deception, and deception is a negation of leadership.
In your position as the Faculty Association’s P.R.O, what is the current journey like?
Right from the electioneering process, the journey has not been palatable. During the contest, I almost sacrificed one of my GES courses because I was battling with emotional instability, which almost affected my winning, especially during the screening. Now as a P.R.O, I’m faced with engaging students in our activities and presenting the fine image of the faculty to people and other faculties using different platforms and mediums. The challenge of striking a balance between academics, business, and politics. The challenge of reacting maturely to criticisms. In a nutshell, the journey has been arduous and sweet.
What is your view about mainstream politics?
On campus, it’s all about influence, structure, attitude, and population.
As a student leader, what do you think of Nigeria and its myriad of challenges?
Nigeria is a better place if we or they decide to give room to display its ‘betterment’. We have the resources and machinery but they are of no use to our selfish will. We have many challenges such as bad leadership, tribalism, party dominance, economic downgrade, and many more.
At the University of Ibadan, will you say that the students’ community is a conscious one?
Many incidents would have distracted our sense of consciousness but we maintain the sense of consciousness and alertness at all levels.
As the P.R.O, how are you able to balance academics, and discharge your duties?
Time management. I’m into politics, academics, and business, but then I must strike a balance. I find a method of reading and preparing that is easy for me. On many occasions, I’ve missed and cancelled classes because of duties and business. There is no pride in being a leader, a failure, or average in academics.
What do you think politicians, at the University of Ibadan specifically, should do more?
Represent what you promised. Don’t be driven by the fame and respect that followed a post. Use your time and tenure wisely.
Are there any ways campus politics has been instrumental to your personal growth or not?
It is a platform for learning and unlearning. You tend to know your weakness and strength. You’ll be pushed beyond the boundary to develop yourself.
The notion that UI student politicians are pro-establishment, how true is this?
Firstly, university management cannot force or impose a candidate on us and if they do, at the University of Ibadan, they’ve ruined his/her chance of winning. The candidate needs to sell him/herself to the students with no affiliation with the University administrators. It is a wise decision when you work together with University Administrator when you assume office. Develop a good relationship with them because their positive impacts on your administration will be remarkable. They have the advice, connection, and channels to make your time a successful one
What is your after-school plan, Politics, Theatre Art, or Business?
Business, Lecturing/teaching, writing, and politics
Advice to campus politicians?
Know your strength and area of exploration. For instance, I’m not ready to take a frontal position like Presidency. If you know your strength, you’ll know the office where you can function. Be real. Don’t fake your attitude, plans, agenda, or personality. Deception is a negation of leadership. Don’t let fame and respects that follow position distract you. Lastly, whatever you do or promise today writes your tomorrow and future.
