Where Are The Students' Union Leaders? By Adesina Oluwaseun

Years back, when you mention names like the late Segun Okeowo, late Chima Ubani , Emma Ezeazu, Chris Mammah, Labaran Maku, Lanre Arogundade, Opeyemi Bamidele, Wole Badmus, Olusegun Mayegun and a few others, who were students' union leaders, you feel proud to be called a student, knowing you are well represented by the leaders, but the reverse is the case now.

Students' Union leaders are supposed to be the voice of the students and are the intermediary between the School Authority, the Government on one hand and the students in order to ensure a good conducive learning environment for the students on the other hand; they ensure that the welfare of the students is paramount and the needs of these students voiced as well.

Nowadays, rather than being advocates for the students, these students' union leaders have lost their place of honor, value and prestige among their fellow students and in the society as a whole due to their lack of focus, purpose and being involved in politics that brings them instant gratification and they therefore no longer represent the students' interest but their own selfish interests .

I have always argued with like minds, that our political class are not the only ones to blame for the political and economic trauma Nigeria is currently experiencing. If we had firm, virile and articulate students' union leaders , who will not compromise their integrity for cheap political appointments and financial rewards, the country will not be in the state it is today.

Our so called higher institutions of learning is degenerating each day , yet our so called students union leaders are going about appreciating and showering underserved accolades to politicians who have continually increased the school fees either in the states or federal institutions thereby making education unaffordable for the children of the poor masses, and these are the set of people the so called students' union leaders are presenting awards to? " O maaa sheee ooo "
We no longer have a virile student union movement again in Nigeria that can challenge the government over some of their unpleasant policies that has brought hardship to the people, unlike how some students stood against some unpopular policies of the then government which led to a protest tagged " Ali Must Go of 1978 " . Many are not even interested in practicing their field of study as they see politics as a more lucrative arm.

How will there be youth employment , when state governors now appoint special assistants on student/youths , who are mostly past student union leaders that cannot advise the government on how to create employment opportunities for the masses. They have turned themselves into errand boys for the politicians and have sacrificed the students' interest on the altar of their own selfish interest.

As youths and students' leaders , the key to a brighter Nigeria lies in your hands. Stop being political slaves , political thugs just because of cheap political appointment , financial rewards or for future selfish political ambition but be a voice to the voiceless. With your certificates and your belief hardwork and above all with God on your side, you can attain any political height in life rather than destroying your reputation and sacrificing your values. Don't destroy the structure and foundation for a brighter Nigeria and contribute your quota now that you are opportune leader so that you will enjoy and have a pleasant time when you find yourself in Governance and administration.

Stand up and speak rightly for the voiceless and the masses and let's jointly build a brighter Nigeria ahead .

God bless Nigeria .