Editorial: FeesMustFall: Before Uites’ Trust in the Union Wanes

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” This saying emphasizes the essence of true leadership—one that must be transparent, resolute, and persistent in channeling the concerns of those they represent. In the scope of student leadership, this philosophy takes on a critical dimension, as student leaders hold the trust and support of their peers in their hands. The University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UISU), led by Aweda Bolaji, currently finds itself at a crossroads at the moment, with the pressing issue of the fee hike testing its commitment to this noble principle, and from what is obtainable from the action(s) and inaction(s) thus far, has failed woefully.

Student leaders are entrusted with the responsibility to advocate for the rights and welfare of their constituents. They must ensure that their actions are aligned with the best interests of the student body, maintaining a balance between institutional demands and the students’ needs. When this trust is betrayed, the consequences are dire, leading to disenchantment and a loss of faith in the union’s ability to effect positive change.

Narrowing it down to the case of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, the prolonged fee hike saga has become a glaring example of such a breach of trust. For months, students have been grappling with the uncertainty and financial strain imposed by the increased fees. The Union’s call for students to hold off on paying, while seemingly a protective measure, has only added to the confusion and frustration. Many faculties are now mandating registration processes that require payment of school fees, effectively forcing students to comply, despite the Union’s advisories. This tactical enforcement by the faculties downplays the Union’s stance and leaves students caught in a precarious situation.

The mass actions of July 16 and 17 were a attestation to the students’ resilience and determination to fight for their rights. These protests, driven by the collective will of the student body, would not have materialized if left to the UISU leadership. It was the students who took their destiny into their own hands, demanding their right to affordable education and dignity. This grassroots mobilization spotlighteda significant disconnect between the Union leadership and the students’ pressing concerns.

As the Congress holds today, Saturday, August 17, 2024, it is imperative that the students of the University of Ibadan seize this opportunity to right the wrongs that have been perpetuated. The Congress represents a critical platform for students to voice their grievances and hold the Union accountable. It is a chance to demand that the Aweda Bolaji-led UISU steps up to its responsibility and brings a definitive resolution to the fee hike issue.

The UISU’s current approach, which has been characterized as tactless and evasive, has only served to prolong the agony of the students. By not addressing the fee hike issue decisively, the Union is effectively sabotaging the struggle for affordable education. The students’ trust in the Union is rapidly eroding, and if this trend continues, the very foundation of student unionism at the University of Ibadan will be at risk.

Transparency in leadership means more than just open communication; it requires that leaders actively engage with their constituents, provide clear and actionable plans, and follow through on their commitments. For the UISU, this means being upfront about the challenges and constraints they face while simultaneously demonstrating a proactive stance in resolving the fee hike issue. Students need to see tangible efforts and results, not just rhetoric and delays.

Moreover, the Union must recognize that the strength of any leadership lies in its ability to galvanize collective action. The mass protests of July were a clear indication of the students’ willingness to unite for a common cause. The UISU should harness this collective energy, channeling it into strategic actions that will pressure the administration to reconsider the fee hikes. This requires strategic planning, coalition-building, and sustained advocacy, all of which demand a leadership that is both transparent and resolute.

The fee hike issue is not just a financial burden; it is a matter of principle and justice. Education is a fundamental right, and any barriers to accessing it must be confronted with urgency and resolve. The UISU, under Aweda Bolaji’s leadership, has a duty to uphold this principle, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. This means engaging in honest negotiations with the administration, exploring alternative funding mechanisms, and providing support systems for students in need.

As we look to the Congress today, we call on all students to make their voices heard. It is a pivotal moment to demand accountability and transparency from the UISU. The leadership must be reminded that their mandate is to serve the students, not to hold them hostage with indecision and inaction. The future of student governance at the University of Ibadan depends on the actions taken today.

In conclusion, the burden of leadership is a heavy one, requiring transparency, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of those represented. The Aweda Bolaji-led UISU must rise to this challenge, addressing the fee hike issue decisively and restoring the trust of the student body. Let us seize this moment to demand the leadership we deserve and ensure that the University of Ibadan remains a beacon of affordable and quality education.