By Akinsola Ayomide
In an exclusive chat with POSSPRESS, Asogba Success Joseph, a 300-level student of the Department of Political Science, spoke about his leadership track record, his plans and how he intends to address political apathy among students.
Good afternoon sir. Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Asogba success Joseph. A 300 level student of the department of political science.
So Mr Asogba, can you tell me what made you want to contest for the apex position in the department of political science?
JThank you very much for this question. What made me interested in picking up the mantle of the apex position in the department is not because of title but for responsibility. I want to serve because I have observed what we are doing well and what we need to improve.
You’ve observed? What are these things you have observed?
Well, In Terms of observation, I have seen how the association has been from my 100l to 300l and there has been some improvement and also needs some more improvemen.
I want to know the thing you think we can improve and the things we are doing well?
Actually in terms of improvement we have tried to implement the involvement of students in the practical aspect of the theory part of what we study, and we need to improve on that and also make it an establishment.
Sorry can you give me an example?
An example is the attempt of this current administration to bring student to places of policy and decision making.
Have they been able to successfully achieve this?
I would say yes.
Do you know any student that has been taken to these places or even an example of these places?
So I will say there is an ongoing trip to the city of Abuja where they would be visiting different places in accordance to our course, which will take place next week. Which was why I say Yes to the previous question.
But the trip hasn’t happened yet?
Yes but it’s happening anyways.
What positions have you held in the department or in UI at large that you felt prepared you for this role?
Thank you for this question. I was once an honorable representing 200l constituency, a member of the 2024/2025 Napss week member, a member of the 2025/26 publicity member of Napss, also a member of the UISU publicity team, also a member of the UISU X account publicity team.
Are you sure these roles have prepared you for a role of this magnitude?
I have also volunteered in different programs and also head different teams.
What are the flaws you’ve noticed in past NAPSS administrations and how do you plan to address them?
Well, I have great respect for past NAPSS administrations. They laid the foundation we are building on and did their best with the resources they had, but from observation as I said earlier, we can improve on what has been laid down.
So you don’t think there has been any flaws with the past administration?
No administration is perfect.
You said you were in the legislative council, what do you think about the current executive and legislature relationship in NAPSS?
Joseph: The relationship between these two organs is the way the relationship is supposed to be.
And how is the relationship supposed to be?
Joseph: According to the constitution the legislative arm is to check the power of the executive so they don’t go past the constitution. Which the legislative arm is doing.
This session the general secretary was suspended and other members of the executive council faced disciplinary actions, if elected how do you plan to handle lackadaisical behavior towards executive duties?
I put them through what they need to know concerning their duties.
A serious problem of political apathy is growing in the department, how do you intend to address this?
Okay. Well this is something that is really a concern but there are ways to try to improve on it. If elected I would find a way to enlighten the populace on the importance of participation.
Don’t you think there has been enough enlightenment programs on political apathy in the department already? Maybe it’s time to try a different approach?
Apathy doesn’t disappear with one speech or program. It goes down when students trust that showing up makes a difference, and that trust is what I’ll work to build on.
What is your single biggest priority for our department during your tenure, and how do you plan to measure its success?
Well my biggest priority for our department is that as students we do not only theorize but practicalize, make sure that everyone has an experience before leaving the department. How do I measure this is through the turnout of those accepted through scholarship and internships, those in different fellowships and clubs.
How do you plan to go about getting these scholarships and internships?
Through the office of the vice president and also through the help of our lecturers like Prof Ayede, Prof Johnson and also Dr Ogunne.
Can you share a specific instance where you had to manage a project that wasn’t going as planned? What did you do to turn it around?
Firstly in situations like this you don’t have to blame anybody, you just have to calm down, think of a solution and sort it out. Remember we are all humans and we aren’t perfect, also you don’t always expect things to go the way you planned it, that is why there is always a plan B.
Finally, Balancing academic workloads with presidential responsibilities is difficult. How do you plan to manage your time so your commitments don’t suffer?
Firstly You should be in control of time not the other way around. Secondly priority during planning, I tend to plan well. If my predecessors handled it with academics so should I.
Alright sir, thank you for your time. Have a nice day.
