BUK Students' Union Government Under Fire: Leadership Urged to Prioritize Student Needs

A passionate plea has been made to the Students' Union Government (SUG) leadership to shift focus from personal agendas and public attention to pressing campus concerns. Students are struggling, and their needs must be addressed promptly.

Neglected Concerns:

- _NELFUND Loan Refund_: Many students who secured loans are yet to receive their refunds, causing financial hardship.

- _Lack of Engagement_: Students feel neglected, with little to no action taken to address their concerns.

- _Authoritarian Approach_: The SUG leadership's inaction has created a divide between students and the union.

Comrade Sadeeq Samba emphasized that the NELFUND issue is just one of many concerns. Students are deeply worried about the leadership's priorities, citing a lack of engagement and understanding of student needs [1).

This is not an isolated incident. Recently, students at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) rallied against a sudden surge in acceptance fees, highlighting the importance of a functional student union in addressing student concerns ¹.

*Leadership's Wrong Choices*

Research has identified common pitfalls leaders fall into, including:

- _Autocratic Style_: Leaders who prioritize authority over collaboration and participation.

- _Prioritizing Paperwork over People_: Focusing on administrative tasks rather than engaging with students.

- _Ignoring Mavericks_: Overlooking innovative and creative individuals who can bring positive change.

These mistakes can lead to stagnation, irrelevance, and even the decline of an organization ².

The students' plea serves as a reminder that effective leadership requires prioritizing the needs of the people they serve. The SUG leadership must reflect on their approach and work towards bridging the gap between students and the union.

*Call to Action*

The Students' Union Government must:

- Address pressing concerns, such as the NELFUND loan refund.

- Engage with students to understand their needs.

- Foster a collaborative environment.

By doing so, the SUG leadership can regain the trust of students and work towards creating a better academic experience for all.