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...