By Ayoolajesu Victoria Ojo
As the race for the presidency of the Nigerian Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), University of Ibadan (UI), gathers momentum, aspirants are outlining their visions for the association and the future of its members.
In this interview with POSSPress, presidential aspirant Oluwatimileyin Abiodun, popularly known as Abba’s Delight, a 300-level student of the Department of Political Science, discusses her involvement in departmental and faculty activities, the challenges facing NAPSSites, and her proposed plans for the association.
Good evening. I’m Ayoolajesu Victoria Ojo, a correspondent with POSS Press. May we meet you?
Good evening, Ayoolajesu. My name is Oluwatimileyin Abiodun, popularly known as Abba’s Delight. I am a 300-level student of this department, passionate about speaking, volunteering, management, and the things of God.
The purpose of this interview is to give NAPSSites a better understanding of who you are as an aspirant for the position of NAPSS UI president. Let us begin with your involvement in departmental activities. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your commitment to the department?
Abiodun: I would rate my activeness in the department so far as 7/10.
What experiences or achievements would you cite to support this rating?
Over the years, I have served in different capacities as a NAPSSite. In my 100 level, I served as a senator and deputy chief whip in the Senate House. I also participated in several competitions, including the UI Students’ Union Freshers’ Welcome Quiz Competition, which my colleague from Psychology and I won.
In 200 level, although I did not serve directly in NAPSS, I served at the faculty level through FATSSSA L&D and was a member of the faculty Board of PRO Committee. I also represented FATSSSA and NAPSS in competitions. In addition, I serve as a defender on the NAPSS female football team.
My commitment to service has continued in 300 level. I currently mentor four 100-level students and served as deputy head of the committee for the October 1 awareness and sensitisation walk. I also participated in the recently concluded FATSSSA Dean’s Cup as a female player.
How do these experiences translate into the competence and efficiency required for the position you are contesting?
The president of the association should be someone with experience in leading and managing people and resources, someone who thinks outside the box and can make swift and accurate decisions.Through the positions I have held within and outside NAPSS, I have demonstrated some of these skills and gained first-hand experience. I have also learnt what the presidential position requires by observing how things are done while serving in different capacities.
Based on your involvement in these capacities and your experience as a NAPSSite, what specific problem have you identified within NAPSS UI that your administration intends to address?
One major problem is that students put in the effort to earn good grades while constantly hearing that Political Science graduates can work anywhere. Yet, by 400 level, some students are still confused about what to do with the degree they are pursuing.
What practical solutions do you intend to implement if elected?
My proposed solutions will be outlined in my manifesto, but one of them is to pair students with mentors who are already working in their respective fields. This will help students gain clearer perspectives on possible career paths and how to prepare for them.
If elected, what three priorities will guide your administration?
My priorities will be ensuring that NAPSSites are united and actively involved in the association, helping them access opportunities, particularly scholarships, and putting structures in place to ensure that no NAPSSite is left behind. Ultimately, taking advantage of these opportunities will depend on individual students, but I intend to create structures that make such opportunities accessible to them.
You may have well-defined plans for the department, but how would you respond if your executive council or departmental authorities opposed your proposals?
I believe they would not oppose a proposal without logical reasons. I would listen to their concerns and explain my own position, especially if the disagreement resulted from a miscommunication.If I consider the issue important, I would continue to advocate for a review of the decision until we can reach a consensus.
If you discover after assuming office that one of your campaign promises is unrealistic, would you continue pursuing it or publicly revise it?
This is one of my fears, and it is why I have already started putting things in place to ensure that none of the commitments in my manifesto remains unfulfilled. However, if such a situation arises, I owe NAPSSites an explanation of why the promise cannot be achieved, at least within my tenure. In that case, I would publicly revise it.
Such a decision could attract criticism. How would you handle that?
I do not intend to include unrealistic plans in my manifesto. However, if criticism arises because of an unachieved promise, I hope NAPSSites will also consider the positive work accomplished during the administration. Although I cannot control how students feel, I hope to build an administration where NAPSSites can critique our work based on our transparency rather than criticise us solely on the basis of emotions.
If students assess your administration one year from now, what tangible results should they be able to point to?
They should be able to say that we did all that we set out to do.
Why should students elect you over the other aspirants?
It is as simple as “my plans.”
What legacy do you intend to leave behind?
My legacy is to leave structures in place that future generations will not merely hear about but will also see the impact of.
If you lose the election, how will you continue contributing to NAPSS UI?
If I lose the election, I will definitely continue to serve NAPSSites under the new administration, especially in the area of academics.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to use this medium to call on NAPSSites to awaken their consciousness. In this period of election, let us put emotions aside and vote for candidates we are sure of.
Thank you for your time.
