POLITICS

  Funmilola Adediji  When actions are repeated over time, they begin to form patterns that start to be perceived as the norms. These norms shape the views, perception and ideology of both genders about politics. In the University of Ibadan Student's union, these perceived norms have shaped the political scenes of the union. In particular, it has predefined the roles of the female gender in the student union leadership. What happens when these patterns are passed down through generations, shaping expectations and limiting the opportunities of an entire gender? What happens when the fear of breaking them keeps aspiring female leaders confined to predetermined roles? In the UI Student's union election, one thing has remained constant; the female candidates predominantly contest for the position of vice president while the presidency has historically been reserved for the males. This pattern has lasted for years and in fact the union has never had a female president. This fact is ...

  Funmilola Adediji One recurrent pattern in Nigeria since the post-colonial era is the striking similarity among national leaders. Ever since independence, the people have longed for better leadership; a government that cares for and represents its citizens, one that unites rather than divides, a government that respects the rights of its people and does not make life unnecessarily difficult. This has been the hope of the dead, the living, and the yet unborn. Yet one poignant question remains: why do leaders forget the people once they gain power? Envisage a child growing up in an environment where corruption brings power, where politics becomes the fastest route to amassing wealth, where silver and gold are considered more valuable than a good name, and where the national cake resides among the one per cent at the top. One is then compelled to ask: does the child not become a reflection of such an environment? Can it be said that student leaders are a microcosm of the past and pr...

  POLITICS: How Do We Know the Best Candidates? Abigail Kareem   Choosing the right student leaders is one of the most important decisions students make on campus. The people elected into these positions determine how welfare, representation, and even funding for student programs are handled throughout the session. Yet, many students still find themselves voting based on friendship, popularity, or the loudest campaign jingles, rather than real competence. If student politics is to truly reflect the needs of the community, then students must go beyond catchy slogans and take a closer look at what each candidate offers. Campus politics has slowly become a popularity game. Many students cast their votes based on friendship, hall of residence loyalty, or coursemate solidarity. The candidate with the loudest supporters is often seen as the “right choice,” even when no one is sure of their plans for students. As one student once joked during a faculty election, “we don’t even read m...

  Promises and Prostrations: The Theatre of UI Politics Abigail Kareem The second semester in the University of Ibadan always has a peculiar atmosphere. Beyond the rush of tests, assignments, and endless lectures, another spectacle begins to unfold, the grand drama of student politics. Suddenly, every hallway, noticeboard, hostel, and even WhatsApp group becomes a campaign ground. Stickers appear on walls like stubborn eczema, posters in all colours and sizes multiply overnight, and before long, “Vote for X,” “Support Y,” and “Stand with Z” take over the entire campus. For those new to the experience, it almost feels like the school has turned into a carnival ground. But for older students, it’s a tired, recurring performance with new actors, but with a similar or nearly opposite script. Every year, aspirants dust off the same campaign lines: “I will improve welfare,” “I will bring accountability,” “I will ensure your voices are heard.” Big and fine words. But words that often diss...