By Rhema Samson
Ms. Ijeh Esther, a 200-Level student of the Department of Political Science, is an aspirant for the office of Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigerian Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS). She currently serves on the UI’SU Publicity team, the Idia Academic Committee, the Idia Hall Publicity team, the FATSSSA Health Committee and the NAPSS Publicity team.
In this interview with POSSPRESS, she speaks on her experience in student-led roles, her reasons for contesting and her plans for the office. She also answers questions on communication between the executive and students, how her proposals would work in practice and what she believes she has to offer NAPSSITES.
Good evening Ms. Ijeh Esther.
Okay. So, I’d just be asking you a few questions concerning the upcoming elections given the fact that you are aspiring for a position. Can I proceed ?
Yes, please.
Okay. What position are you aspiring for ?
I am aspiring for the post of Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Do you have prior experience in student led position of any kind ?. Faculty, department, hall ?
Yes I do. I am currently a member of the UI’SU Publicity team , Idia Academic Committee, Idia hall Publicity team and FATSSSA health Commitee for now.
And how has the experience been ?
Yeahhh I forgot to add this; I’m also a member of the NAPSS publicity team. The experience has been amazing honestly, working with different people from various background. I got to understand people’s perspective and how to tolerate people behavior.
How would rate your performance ?. What level would you place yourself given the fact that you’d have to also manage your duties with your academics ?.
I believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Anything duties I Iay my hands on , I do it with my possible best. Managing academics hasn’t been easy but you know, we have to be present and make time for assigned duties
You mentioned the experience taught you to tolerate people’s behavior. Has that been the only significant thing about the experience ?
Not just that though , it has helped in personal development. I’m now more solution oriented because of the experience I’ve gained. It has helped my creative thinking as well. Also, it has brought me out from my shell or comfort zone .
Why exactly are you contesting for a position in NAPSS ?. You already hold so many positions in different teams, why the need for a position as an executive in NAPSS ?
Okay let me clarify something here , I am a member of all that I listed to you. Not like I hold any crucial position though. I want to serve as a link between the executive and the student. I want to create this atmosphere of inclusivity where student voice are heard and feel represented.
What problems have you identified or maybe experienced that made you aspire for this position ?
I feel like when communication is not consistent and accessible, students may feel disconnected from their representatives. That’s why I want to bridge the gap by maintaining a clear channel of communication between the leadership and the students.
In your terms, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity, can you give a little picture of what you mean ?
Alright . It actually means allowing students to express their opinions, concerns and ideas without fear .
Practically, how can it be achieved ?.
Thanks for this question. I intend to establish a monthly feedback response from student. Through the Google form and any complaint being listed out by the student, I will send it to the Vice President or other executive members. For review and to make sure those complaint are being addressed.
Can we assume that this is a solution you’re proposing ?
Yes it is a solution and it will definitely work out by the Grace of God. Are we done?
Not yet. In about 15 mins. I understand your religious inclination but I don’t think that is the main concern here.
It’s not about spiritual inclination actually, I’m being practical about what I said.
And how exactly was that being practical ?. Are the students to rely on the grace of GOD or you actually playing your roles ?
Alright I’m not arguing this with you. I will rephrase my statement. What I said is a solution and it will definitely work out .
In general, what exactly do you have to offer to NAPSSites ?
Alright. I intend to make departmental information more accessible through initiatives such as the NAPSS Broadcast Media, where students can conveniently stay updated on departmental activities, opportunities and important announcements without being overwhelmed by constant messages. Beyond information dissemination, I want to promote student engagement by creating accessible channels for feedback, ensuring that students concerns and suggestions can be communicated to the appropriate authorities . Also, I want my service to be measured not merely by how much information I share, but by how efficiently i carry out my duties and contribute to a more informed and united NAPSS community.
NAPSS broadcast media?. Can you tell me more about this, what exactly would it be ?
Yes, it will be a dedicated WhatsApp group for NAPSS whereby all fliers being sent out will be on this group so that student can easily have access to it and to avoid some information being lost in between text messages. Of course, with only the admin posting allowed on the group. That’s just the name of the group or I might decide to give it something else.
Don’t we already have something like this ?. Also, how does that measure bridge the gap of inclusivity ?
The group isn’t locked , so I think information can still get lost. Rephrase this question please.
How does your measure of ‘WhatsApp group for NAPSS’ bridge the gap of inclusivity ?
I understand that students may belong to different WhatsApp groups, making it difficult to keep track of important information. By creating a dedicated space where only authorized administrators can post, student can conveniently find important information in one place. Also, it promotes inclusivity by reducing the likelihood of students missing out on departmental activities and announcements simply because they could not find the information when they needed it.
That would be all for now, Ms.Ngozi. Thank you for your time.
Thank you too.
