The second semester of every academic year and for that matter, on the campus of every educational /tertiary institution is packed with and characterized by succession and series of elections within the student body. Indeed and truly, leadership at the national level does take off or nurtured here on campus and all forms of grooming is undertaken here on our campuses.
With a few weeks into a second semester, political colours start to show across campus, beautifying almost every nook and cranny. Goodwill and welcoming messages are trickled and filed in by potential student leaders to the student populace.
Good human relations are developed or improved upon by aspirants. Momentum for relentless and effective campaign is built and unflinching support for one’s candidature or another is sort for and solicited by hopefuls of various portfolios.
Obviously, every administration under any democratic dispensation reaches a stage where it has to be succeeded by another. And as well, the race for succession are almost always keenly contested, with promises and pledges to put the welfare of electorates, delegates, students and the entire institution at the pivot of administration, upon assumption of office.
However, it is sad to know that, turn up for some major elections clearly suggests that, many students do not take part in the decision making process.
This certainly and definitely could be attributed to student apathy, which to a very large extent, could stem from the non attractiveness of the game of politics, as played on campus.
Voting is often left for students who are already mindful of and interested in political activities and probably friends, sympathizers and faithful of some candidates. Yet, such decisions taken by the few who exercise their franchise do stand and determine the way forward for our institutions.
Despite the odds that are associated with politics especially on our campuses, it is extremely necessary that electorates do not take the stance to of being non-chalant, apathetic and non-committal to such sensitive events as elections, which go a long way to affect our fortunes as students in one way or the other.
Make it a point to partake of the democratic life in school, particularly as it reaches its peak and its impact felt during every second semester; and while at it always remember to study amidst the campaign thrills.
