On AFAS and Its Newly-found Peace
One of the most glaring facts about the political landscape in the Faculty of Arts last session was the disunity and fracas amongst the executive and legislative council which even extended to the Press, beginning with the welcome party organised by the then executives. Beyond the interpersonal battles that the executive arm fought and caused, the arm was also a divided house. The story was no different during the administration before that.
The first semester of this session saw AFAS witnessing a peaceful political atmosphere under this current Ayanfe-led administration—for the first time in a long while. Evidently, this is due to the cordial relationship existing between the executive and legislative arms of the association. By this, it has displaced AFAS from the league faculties embattled with political turmoil. The absence of power tussle between the two tiers has made the wheel of administration to spin unhindered.
A recent interview with the president of the association, Olaniyi Esther, is particular about unity and takes deliberate measures to ensure this among her executives—this explains why no fallout has been witnessed amongst the executives—and by extension, the Faculty Legislative Council (FLC). With the legislative, it appears that both arms have an understanding of how crucial it is for them to observe balance and act within their limitations to prevent power tussles.
With drama being pulled out of the scene of AFAS leadership, the association witnessed its leaders’ achievements and shortcomings in serving its apathetic students. The student body benefited from the tutorials organised by the Academic Committee headed by the General Secretary of the association, Adedeji Wilhelm. Notably, the president also swiftly responded to the complaints of students who were compelled to either buy departmental journals or risk being asked not to sit their exams. The administration also attempted inclusivity by holding a congress that was shy of its name and a stakeholders’ meeting.
The expectations for the second semester is none other than that the stones left unturned in the first one be completely turned over. That is, the rest of each executive’s manifesto should be fulfilled. Improving the faculty’s aesthetics was one of Ayanfe’s most emphasised manifesto promises. However, little to nothing about the environment of Faculty of Arts and the faculty itself has changed for the better in terms of appearance. Ayanfe has continuously reassured AFASites that her administration is working towards actualising this goal.
There’s no other time than this semester for AFASites to start questioning the executives on their promises, a time to drop the cloak of apathy. As the semester progresses, a number of activities are wont to take place, including the election. It is of utmost importance for AFASites to participate in them and demand for what is right, especially an election at the appropriate time—when students are able to exercise their franchise. With an improved involvement in the running of the association, AFASites also stand the chance of influencing positive changes in the controversy that often surrounds the faculty week, especially the dinner. In the absence of AFASites’ resistance to the status quo, will AFAS not sink back into its former state of political chaos. Will the association sustain its newly-found peace till the end?
