Editorial: Leadership for Fame or Change?: On the Culture of Silence and Flawed Leadership on Campus
“Leadership is an action, not a position.” —Donald McGannon
A well-known Nigerian proverb says, “The wind has blown, and the anus of the chicken has been exposed.” As this session is on the verge of conclusion, controversies have emerged, many things have been revealed, and numerous regrets have been expressed. Yet, it is crucial to examine how some leaders have embodied Donald McGannon’s perspective, viewing leadership as an action, not a position—or vice versa. The concept of servant leadership is deeply rooted in service, based on the belief that the most effective leaders aim to serve others rather than accumulate power or assert control. This philosophy underscores the significance of values like authenticity, strong communication, integrity, compassion, empowerment, and selflessness in wielding authority and guiding others. But as this session gradually comes to a close, one may wonder if some student leaders have truly reflected the core values of servant leadership. While one leader serves his followers, another tramples on them, avoiding accountability, evading the press—the true source of information and a vital watchdog—and contradicting himself by treating leadership as a position rather than an action, when it should be the opposite.
This year has shaken every Nigerian, with individuals bearing burdens they never imagined, burdens that weigh heavily on their minds, leaving them gnashing their teeth in regret over choices made during the electoral process, and cursing national leaders. Sadly, this reality mirrors that of the University of Ibadan, where some leaders have fallen even shorter than expected, disappointing their followers in ways that go beyond what was anticipated.
On the Culture of Silence Amongst Student Leaders
At the Student Union, Faculty, and Department levels, numerous realities unfolded. The hike in school fees exposed the incompetence of the Student Union executives, who took credit for a protest they did not initiate, spent weeks in futile meetings with the ‘governing council’ that led to no results, raised students’ hopes only to dash them, and left the student body in disarray yet aligning with a management that showed little compassion, whose actions led many to drop out or resort to the NELFUND loan.. The union also delayed a congress that could have offered hope to struggling students, while the Student Union and some faculty leaders alike failed to live up to expectations. In the faculties, promises have largely gone unfulfilled, and some have held positions with nothing to show for it, merely occupying space. Undoubtedly, as with the previous year, the upcoming session is likely to see another increase in school fees. While many may shy away from acknowledging this reality, it is inevitable, and the pressing question remains: what will Aweda’s successor and every other student leader(s) do differently?
The culture of silence among student leaders, even in the face of oppression, and victimization of students during strike actions, had left many students bewildered. Each day, the university declines, with students regretting the loss of its former prestige as the First and Best. While pressing issues are neglected, the school administration focuses more on deforestation and plans for new buildings, even when students both on campus and at Alexander Brown Hall face several constraints such as a lack of freedom of expression, forestalling of strike actions, prolonged power outages disrupting their daily lives, poor accommodation, unsafe learning environments where buildings pose risks, and many other challenges. The silence among leaders on urgent matters, coupled with empty promises meant to win praise for actions they fail to take, is even more perplexing. As the session draws to a close, everyone is left reflecting on what the future holds for leadership on campus.
Leadership for Fame or to Enact Change?
Undoubtedly, student leadership plays a crucial role on campus, as evidenced by its responsibility in advocating for students’ welfare and rights. However, it is clear that some students seeking these positions are more motivated by the allure of power and prestige that comes with holding a political office on campus. While aspiring student leaders may present themselves in large numbers with promises and strategies, they must understand that pledges alone are not enough to secure approval for a political seat. Rather, qualities such as intelligence, knowledge, leadership experience, and past accomplishments outweigh mere promises. As this session draws to a close, it is essential for the student body to possess the wisdom to differentiate between those who make loud promises and those who, rather than seeking change, are more interested in fame. While Leader A may genuinely aim for change, Leader B might simply seek to add another position to their resume, aiming for future accolades and certificates earned through ‘service. They claim to have served through this ‘service,’ boldly seeking recognition as the ‘most politically inclined’ and ‘most influential.’ However, upon deeper reflection, one must question whether they have truly served and if they have fulfilled the promises they made.
That we may be wise, this season
As walls are adorned with colorful and vibrant posters with the headlines “Lagbaja is coming” “TheChangeAgenda” and more, and as broadcast messages circulate to check on welfare and solicit support, discernment and impartiality are crucial qualities that the student body must possess.
Campaigns themselves are not inherently wrong; it is the dishonest tactics used by some political figures in executing their strategies that raise concern. While some aspirants offer superficial reasons for support, such as ‘We’ve been friends for a long time,’ ‘We are in the same department,’ or ‘We attend the same church on campus,’ and others resort to discrediting their competitors or fellow aspirants, the reality is that many lack the qualities needed to genuinely convince the student body of their ability to serve. This leads to propaganda and empty promises. As infringement continues and unsolicited broadcast messages flood the green app, it is essential that we remain discerning this season, resisting political manipulation and making decisions based on reason and true conviction.
