EDITORIAL ON NELFUND: WHERE ARE THE NIGERIA STUDENT GOVERNMENTS?

 

It is deeply disappointing to observe the decline in the relevance of student union governments (SUGs) across Nigerian universities. These bodies, once vibrant hubs of advocacy and student representation, have now become shadows of their former selves—often co-opted by political parties for financial gains.

Instead of standing as independent voices for the students they claim to represent, many SUGs have morphed into extensions of political machines, prioritizing personal enrichment over the welfare of their peers. How else can one explain their deafening silence on the student loan initiative? A program designed to ease the financial burden on students should have been a rallying cry for these unions. Yet, there is little to no effort from them to inform, campaign, or support their colleagues in accessing this lifeline.

This shift from advocacy to self-interest is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the students. The unions’ obsession with aligning themselves with political figures or organizations often comes at the expense of meaningful representation. This trend leaves Nigerian students to fend for themselves in the face of rising tuition fees and economic challenges.

The student loan initiative is a litmus test for these unions. By ignoring it, they fail not only in their duty to advocate but also in their responsibility to educate. If they truly represented the interests of students, we would see robust campaigns on campuses, strategic partnerships with financial institutions, and coordinated efforts to ensure every eligible student understands and accesses this opportunity.

To the student union governments: The time for excuses is over. Your mandate is clear—to serve the students who elected you. Stop being pawns in the hands of politicians and start being the leaders your peers desperately need. Advocacy is not optional; it is your duty.