By Abiodun Awujoola
In an interview with POSS PRESS, Mr Isreal Adewole, an aspirant for the office of General Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), discusses his experience, administrative priorities, constitutional accountability and plans for improving communication and record-keeping within the association.
So, Mr Isreal, I want to ask; beyond your popularity , what do you think qualifies you to lead the NAPSS department as A General Secretary and what evidence from your previous record do you have that supports your claim?
Thank you for that question. Beyond popularity, I believe leadership is built on competence, accountability, experience, and the willingness to serve. I am not seeking the office of General Secretary simply because I am known by people, but because I understand the responsibilities attached to the office and believe I have the discipline, organisational skills, and commitment to discharge them effectively.
My previous records speak to this. In my 100 level, I volunteered during NAPSS Week, where I contributed to the activities of the association. I also volunteered during the Nigerian Political Science Association convention. Beyond NAPSS, I served in the House of Assembly of Sultan Bello Hall and currently serve as the Public Relations Officer of Freshers’ Company, where I have gained experience in communication, coordination, and working with people.
These experiences have helped me understand that effective leadership is not about occupying a position but about making meaningful contributions. As General Secretary, I intend to build on these experiences by ensuring proper documentation, timely dissemination of information, effective communication between the executives and students, and accountability in the discharge of my duties. I may not claim to know everything, but I have demonstrated a willingness to serve, a readiness to learn, and a commitment to deliver. That, beyond popularity, is what qualifies me for this office.
What problems in the department do you intend to address, and why have you chosen to contest for General Secretary? Are you in touch with the current General Secretary?
One major problem I have identified is the need for a more effective system of communication, documentation and feedback between the association and students. Sometimes, the challenge is not the absence of information but ensuring that the right information reaches the right people at the right time, while students have a reliable channel through which to communicate their concerns.
This is one reason I am contesting. I intend to strengthen communication between the executive council and students by establishing an effective Secretariat Committee involving representatives across academic levels. This would support timely information dissemination, coordination and feedback. I also intend to promote proper documentation and record-keeping so that important information and institutional knowledge are preserved for future administrations.
Regarding my relationship with the current General Secretary, I believe in maintaining a cordial relationship with the current administration.
As an aspirant for General Secretary, how would you ensure proper documentation, accurate record-keeping, and timely publication of meeting minutes, resolutions, and official decisions to keep NAPSSITES informed?
Proper documentation and accurate record-keeping are fundamental responsibilities of the office. First, I would ensure minutes are taken at every official meeting, clearly capturing discussions, resolutions, decisions and assigned responsibilities. After each meeting, I would review the minutes for accuracy and ensure they are approved through the appropriate process before publication.
Second, I would maintain digital and physical records where practicable. Digital copies would be organised and backed up to prevent loss, while confidential information would be handled discreetly and made accessible only to authorised persons.
Third, I would establish an effective channel for timely dissemination of approved minutes and official decisions through the association’s recognised communication platforms. Where necessary, I would work with the President and other relevant officers to ensure information is accurate and authorised before release.
Finally, I would promote continuity by ensuring records are properly arranged and handed over to subsequent administrations.
What measures would you put in place to ensure the office operates strictly within the NAPSS constitution? Would you document or report misconduct involving the President or other executive members, even under pressure?
I would ensure strict compliance with the NAPSS constitution by familiarising myself with its provisions and ensuring that official records, decisions and administrative actions within my responsibilities follow due process.
Regarding misconduct, my loyalty would be to the constitution and the association, not to individuals. If any executive member, including the President, engaged in misconduct, I would document the facts accurately and report the matter through the appropriate constitutional channels, regardless of pressure or personal relationships.
If elected, what practical steps would you take to improve the association’s administration, especially correspondence, record-keeping, communication of decisions and implementation of resolutions?
If elected, I would introduce a more organised digital secretariat to complement existing administrative processes. This would involve properly documenting official correspondence, maintaining accessible records and ensuring that approved decisions are communicated promptly to NAPSSITES.
To ensure resolutions are implemented rather than abandoned after meetings, I would maintain a follow-up register showing each resolution, the officer responsible and the progress made. I would also provide regular updates to the executive council on outstanding tasks.
How would you ensure that all NAPSSITES have equal access to official information and representation, regardless of political affiliation, support for the executive or personal relationships with members of the administration?
I would ensure official information reaches all NAPSSITES through recognised communication channels, regardless of their political affiliations or relationships with the executive. I would treat every student fairly and ensure their concerns are properly documented and communicated.
The office of General Secretary is a responsibility to serve everyone, not a privilege to favour a few. Power should be exercised with fairness, not personal interest.
At the end of your tenure, what measurable achievements should NAPSSITES expect, and if you fail to deliver on your administrative promises, how would you accept responsibility?
By the end of my tenure, NAPSSITES should expect an organised digital secretariat, properly documented records, timely dissemination of official information and a functional follow-up system for tracking resolutions.
If I fail to deliver on any commitment, I would take responsibility, explain the challenges honestly and present practical steps to address the shortcomings. Accountability means being able to show what has been done, what has not been done and why.
How would you assess the current administration, and what impact would you bring? Would you continue its existing approach or develop new ideas?
I would assess the current administration based on its achievements, challenges and contributions to the association. Every administration has strengths and areas for improvement, and my intention is not to discredit the present administration but to build on its achievements.
I believe in continuity where necessary and innovation where possible. I intend to introduce a functional digital secretariat, improve communication and documentation, and establish a proper follow-up system to ensure resolutions are implemented.
My goal is not to change things simply for the sake of change, but to make our administrative system more effective, transparent and accessible to every NAPSSITE.
Thanks for having you for your time Mr. ADEWOLE ISRAEL.
