Students Union Governments, or SUGs, were founded in various institutions of higher learning to foster unity, order, and a seamless connection between students, school officials, and the state or federal government. Student unions help students acquire organizational skills and moral strength, which will prepare them for greater responsibility in the future.
In 1956, student unionism began on the campus of University College, Ibadan, and was followed by the formation of the National Union of Nigerian Students — an umbrella organization for Nigeria’s universities and colleges – bringing with it the same global history of student unionism.
However, there are hidden examples of student union leaders like Comrade Akeem Lawal (Aluta), who made a significant sacrifice for student activism in Nigeria by refiring and losing his studentship at University of Ibadan.
Comrade Akeem, who recently graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria with a Second Class Upper Division in B.Sc Environmental Science and Resource Management, shares his story in this interview with The Muslim Voice, Nigeria.
MV: When and where did you get your start?
AAL: I started my activism activities from childhood era. I hate injustice, cheating and oppression. Anytime I discovered any of these above-mentioned issues been perpetuated , my mind would not be at rest until the issue is addressed .
MV: What drew you to student unionism in the first place?
AAL: When I finished my secondary school certificate. I got a job as a dispatch clerk with NATO (National Association of Transport Owners) and it gave me opportunities to be reading daily newspapers everyday. Through that I was able to equip myself with more information on the happenings in Nigeria and international communities. From there I started preparing for the remaining papers that I have not made by going to extra moral lesson. I made my papers through GCE. Then I registered for JAMB to enter University. During the time I was preparing for JAMB I met some Union Leaders, and also reading happenings on campus at SUB. At that level I have gotten enough information on unionism before being admitted into the University. By the time I got admission, I have become activist.
MV: Some people believed that students’ unionism is for cowards. Please share your thoughts on this.
AAL: Students’ unionism is not at all for cowards. You need to first discover yourself. You must be a type that is not lazy. Students’ unionism is like a point of no return to activist on campus, where you would be seen as enemy to the managements or school authorities and you can be dealt with by them through victimisation and persecution . These must be at the back of your mind, unionism is not a tea party.
MV: Have you ever had a run-in with the school administration during your time as a student unionist?
AAL: We had many run-in with the School Managements during our time as Unionists. As Unionists it would not be possible for you not to have an encounter with administration except you are not active. The administration would come up with obnoxious policy that would have a bad effect on the people that you are leading and it would not be possible to fold your hands as a good leader. Having you as their leader is to protect their interest. The right of the students must not be violated by the management anyhow. Part of many encounters then were, fighting for light and water, identity card, banning of student union body, municipal fees, fighting for independent unionism and many draconian policies of the administration.
Confronting managements to rescind it’s decision is not always easy and one will be persecuted. I received many quarries and I was suspended on several occasions. Banned from entering SUB at a time. Through Court injunctions we were always returned to campus. Taking to court by the administration on Students’ Union Elections to Oyo State High Court and Federal High Court at the same time. And Administration buying judgement from Federal High Court. Appealing against it by students and winning the administration of the Court of Appeal. Suit No.: CA/I/M/57/2001. Lawal Akeem & Others V University of Ibadan. Unionism is not something that anybody must just venturing into anyhow you must prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
MV: ‘When you aspire to acquire what you require , you should not retire but you refire.’ Extend the meaning of these words.
AAL: ‘When you aspire to acquire……… ‘ it is just one of the inspirational statement to give courage to forge ahead when having difficulties in life and as Unionists you must not just succumb it. When you are having stumbling blocks on your way to what you believe in you must continue to pursue it till you are able to get to that level, because of we believe that when you are resisting you must always insist. That means no retreat and no surrender. That is why we have that our slogan Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta and when you discontinue Aluta victory is no longer certain. Don’t discontinue Aluta so as to get the victory. My vigorously pursuing what I believe I should get finally settled.
MV: How does it feel to be allowed to graduate from another university in Nigeria after years of losing your studentship at the University of Ibadan due to student activism?
AAL: Learning is a continuous process and you can get it anywhere once you have the necessary requirements and qualifications to present to the institutions. One thing that someone has succeeded in showing to the whole world is that activists are not dullards. They have discovered themselves before dwelling into activism.
MV: Have you ever felt guilty about what you gave up for Nigerian students?
AAL: I have never seen myself regretting my actions as a Unionists and it even gladdens my heart for the victory at last. Nothing can change my destiny, my destiny can never be changed at all. With the recent happenings in my life, it gives me courage to do more in making sure I contribute my quota to have a just society.
MV: Have you observed any progress in Nigerian democracy since its rebirth in 1999, as a democrat?
AAL: As a Democrat, what we have witnessed since the coming back of civilian rule is not something to write home about. We have seen and heard about other countries, making progress, but ours is just standing still. We are moving backward, not progressing in this country. We have many problems facing the country without having any solution to it. Insecurities, corruption and tribalism have taken over in the country.
MV: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) recently announced a two-month strike extension to ensure that the government honors its agreements with the union. What are your thoughts on this?
AAL: On the ASUU issue concerning the extension of the two-month strike recently announced, I have to say that it is still in line and that the union should continue to demand for the implementation of the agreement. When you are talking about the agreement you are saying the two parties sat down and resolutions on certain issues to settle grievances that would allow smooth running things.
MV: What advice do you have for the Nigerian youth?
AAL: Well, my advice to our youths out there is to take their destinies into their hands and not allow what Prof Soyinka said then to come to past by allowing the generation to be a wasted one.
