University of Ibadan Students Union Congress Conundrum: Issues and Way Forward

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Olanshile Ogunrinu

In what would be regarded as somewhat historic in the annals of the history of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, a congress was convened on Saturday, 14th of October, 2023, at the Kunle Adepeju Building, which is the first in more than half a decade. Constitutionally asserted as the most powerful organ in Student Unionism, it is the beating heart of the university’s vibrant student community, where ideas, concerns, and demands converge. This general assembly of students wields the potential to effect real change, making it a vital platform for addressing issues that affect the student body as a whole.

The congress that was held last Saturday drew attention to several pressing concerns that requested immediate consideration. The first among them was the glaring difficulty experienced in reaching the quorum of 500 students, as mandated by the Union’s constitution. This requirement is intended to ensure that decisions made at the Congress truly represent the collective voice of the student population. It was evidently an uphill task in getting students to attend the congress. It raises concerns about whether the Students’ Union Executives adequately mobilized and engaged with the student body. It also compels us to reflect on the students’ part in being responsive and active about issues affecting them. In a climate where participation and representation are pivotal, it is crucial to consider what can be done better on the part of both the student leadership and the broader student populace to ensure increased participation in our union’s activities.

It cannot be gainsaid that the low turnout of students at the Congress was troubling. With way less than 500 students present at the venue in a school with over 40,000 students according to the Union’s President, it is clear that a substantial portion of the University’s population remained disengaged from the activities of the Union, and this lack of interest in an institution that traditionally represents their interests underscores a prevailing disconnect between the students and their elected representatives in the Union. This indeed requests immediate consideration.

Reacting to the development, Faith Adediran, a student of the Department of History noted that it is progress on the part of our union considering the fact that the culture of Congress had been long abandoned in our union.

“However, the union leaders still have a lot to do on it. Looking at what and how we ran this last congress in terms of attendance and participation, it is very obvious that the level of consciousness has drastically declined among the student populace. The Union leaders must take it upon themselves to sensitize the students on the power that lies in the voice of a Union, especially one like that of students,” he said.

Speaking to AFAS Press, Olajide Olawale, a student of the Faculty of Arts said the problem stemmed from the Union’s delay in calling for the Congress. He maintained that it was far too late to call for a Congress in the 7th week when students have already accepted their fate that the Union is helpless.

On the issue of student participation, Olawale also highlighted that the Students Union’s inadequate publicity contributed to the low turnout of students at the Congress.
“Another thing the Student Union could have done better was release the agenda of the congress. To the best of my knowledge, the agenda of the congress was not released in black and white, and that was also a contributing factor to the amount of students that were present.”

“Talking about the students, the main problem with them regarding the congress was misplaced priorities. During the mobilization, the students were reluctant to turn up, with excuses like “this is a weekend, and we want to do our chores”. But I’ll still apportion more blame to the union for this because the students did not have an understanding of unionism and they do not know that we are the union, not the few representatives at the Kunle Adepeju building. If we can address these factors, I believe that subsequent congresses will be more successful,” he concluded.

Also, Ogundare Oluwatayo, a student from the Department of Communication and Language Arts, hailed the idea of heeding the call for a Congress during this challenging time as a commendable effort by the Students’ Union stakeholders.
“However, I believe there is room for improvement on subsequent occasions. I would like to point out some areas that should be addressed, such as the low turnout of students which delayed the quorum and also the resolutions from being made. The low turnout was an indication of the lackadaisical attitude of the students towards the activities of the Students’ Union leaders, which shows that they have little belief in them, and it should not be so,”

“On the part of the Union’s stakeholders, not all resolutions made at the Congress were acknowledged by the Congress Chairman. I find it appalling because the Congress was for the students to voice out their travails and make demands.”
“All in all, calling for a Congress was a good step and I hope we get the chance to have another one again,” he said.

For Emmanuel, a student of the Faculty of Arts, the passiveness exhibited by the student populace to the Congress is a result of the lack of knowledge of the Congress by the students. He believes the Student Union is responsible for the lack of adequate knowledge.

“The publicity for the Congress from the SU leaders was too low compared to how they promote entertainment and gyrations activities,” he said.
“Also, the approach and mannerisms of the President during the Congress appeared seemingly rude and I perceived that it boils out of overconfidence.”

“Finally, the recurrent emphasis of action in place of deliberations and negotiations should be swift. If people see a tangible change as a result of this, they will be more involved in the next one, having seen that Congresses yield results,” he concluded.

The issues at hand do not rest solely on the shoulders of the Student Union Executive; rather, they demand a collective introspection. There is an urgent need for the Student Union Executives to refine their strategies for mobilization and communication to bridge the gap between the Congress and the student populace. Moreover, it is incumbent upon the student body to recognize the importance of the Congress, and the Union and actively participate in making decisions on issues affecting us all.

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