Before the Campaign Promises: OSPOLY SUG Aspirants Must Be Ready to Speak for Students, Not Stay Silent
Afeez Ogungbemi, Samuel Akintola
As the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election season gradually approaches at Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, aspirants are already positioning themselves for various leadership offices. Posters will soon flood the campus walls, manifestos will circulate across hostels, departments, and faculties, while promises of “better welfare” and “quality representation” will once again dominate student conversations.
But beyond the excitement of campaigns and political alliances lies a deeper question every student must ask: are these aspirants truly prepared to defend the interests of students when it matters most?
Student leadership is not a title meant for popularity contests or social recognition. It is a responsibility that demands courage, accountability, and the willingness to stand for the collective interest of students, even in difficult situations.
Over the years, students have continued to raise concerns ranging from school charges, accommodation challenges, unstable academic calendars, inadequate learning facilities, and other welfare-related matters. In moments like these, students do not need leaders who will remain silent out of fear or personal interest. They need representatives who can respectfully but boldly speak on behalf of the students they were elected to serve.
An SUG official should not become voiceless after winning an election. Leadership begins after victory, not during campaigns. The true test of leadership is not how loudly an aspirant speaks during manifesto presentations, but how committed and vocal they remain when students’ welfare and rights are at stake.
It is also important to acknowledge that previous student leaders made promises during their campaigns and, despite limitations, attempted to execute some developmental and welfare projects within their capacity. While some students may believe more could have been achieved, others acknowledge that efforts were made in certain areas.
However, as another election season approaches, many students hope incoming aspirants will not allow student representation to decline but instead raise the standard higher by prioritizing students’ interests above personal ambition or political popularity.
Aspirants must understand that the union is not designed to create unnecessary conflict with the school management, but it must never become too weak to address legitimate concerns affecting students. Balanced leadership requires dialogue, maturity, wisdom, and courage.
As the political atmosphere builds within the OSPOLY community, students are expected to look beyond attractive slogans and social media popularity. Competence, character, communication skills, accountability, and the ability to genuinely represent students should remain the major yardsticks for electing leaders.
The future of student unionism in OSPOLY depends largely on electing leaders who understand that leadership is service, not self-interest. Aspirants must therefore prepare themselves to become strong voices for students, not silent observers during critical moments.
At a time when students seek effective representation more than ever before, the campus deserves leaders who will not only wear the title of “Comrade” but also defend the dignity, welfare, and interests of students with sincerity, responsibility, and courage.
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