Editorial: 2024 in Retrospect: Challenges, Failures, and the Path Forward

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As the year 2024 winds down, it is impossible to ignore the bittersweet essence that fills the air. Amidst the joy and festivities of Christmas, we are reminded to reflect on the trials and triumphs of the year, particularly from a socio-political perspective. For Nigerians, this year has been marked by unprecedented challenges stemming from government policies that have left indelible scars on the nation’s socio-economic landscape. It is a time to look inward, to assess the impact of these policies, and to demand a better future.

The Policies That Starved a Nation

One of the most poignant reminders of the year’s struggles has been the series of stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, resulting in the tragic deaths of many who were desperately vying for palliatives distributed by private individuals. These heartbreaking events draw attention to the glaring consequences of the Tinubu-led administration’s anti-people policies. At the center of these policies is the removal of the petrol subsidy, which led to an astronomical increase in petrol prices, soaring by over 2000%. This singular decision has plunged countless Nigerians into unimaginable hardship, with its ripple effects felt across every facet of life.

The President’s recent media chat, during which he unapologetically expressed no regrets over these policies, reveals a government seemingly out of touch with the realities of the masses. This indifference places the onus on citizens to advocate for their rights, to demand accountability, and to insist on policies that prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians. Democracy thrives on the active participation of its people, and now, more than ever, we must not remain silent.

Education on the Brink

The education sector, long beleaguered, has not been spared from the harsh effects of government policies in 2024. Tuition fees in many tertiary institutions skyrocketed from an average of N30,000 or N40,000 to as much as N500,000. This staggering increase has forced numerous indigent students to drop out, while others resorted to public begging or juggling multiple jobs just to afford their education.

Universities are meant to produce professionals equipped to tackle societal challenges. However, with these financial constraints, the system is failing its students. Poorly paid staff, insufficient infrastructure, and the federal government’s plan to replace TETFund with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) further exacerbate the situation. The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Ayo Osodeke, aptly described this move as a death knell for public education, warning it would trap the poor in perpetual servitude.

If Nigerian students are to safeguard their right to affordable and quality education, they must organize conscientiously. The fight for accessible education is not just a fight for individual futures but for the collective progress of the nation.

UISU and the Decline of Student Unionism

In any student environment, the students’ union serves as the machinery through which the rights of students are defended and protected. Yet, in recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disheartening decline in the efficacy of student unions. The University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UISU) is no exception.

When the latest wave of fee hikes was introduced, it was individual students who mobilized and organized protests, while the Aweda-led UISU displayed a shocking lack of interest. Even after these efforts reached their peak, the union leadership undermined them through an illegitimate meeting with the university management and a subsequent controversial release on August 31st.

The importance of a vibrant, conscious, and ideological students’ union cannot be overstated. A well-organized union can transform not only the university environment but the nation as a whole. History is replete with examples of unions that fought valiantly for justice, equity, and progress, and the impact of their activism reverberated across sectors. A look at history will confirm that Nigeria’s economy, education system, and overall development were stronger during the era when the unions were more active.

As we approach the UISU elections in 2025, it is imperative that we learn from the mistakes of the past. Unionism is not about catchy campaign slogans, charming personalities, or slick graphics. It requires a deep understanding of unionism, a history of active engagement, competence, and an unwavering commitment to the students’ cause, even when the odds are against it. Let us ensure that we elect leaders who embody these qualities, for they are the ones capable of steering the union and the university towards a brighter future

A Call to Action

As we celebrate the season of love, giving, and hope, let us not forget the lessons 2024 has taught us. The challenges we face—as a nation and as students—demand our active engagement, our voices, and our collective resolve to chart a better course. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with unity, determination, and courage, we can create a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

May this Christmas season inspire us to reflect deeply and act decisively. Here’s to a new year filled with hope, resilience, and progress for all Nigerians.

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