FUOYE First Female President Reveals how she Overcame Rejection to Win SUG Election
Abiodun Olorunshola Mary, the newly elected President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), shares her journey to victory in a historic win as the first female president in the university's history.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a groundbreaking achievement, Abiodun Olorunshola Mary has emerged as the first female President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE). Hailing from Kogi State and currently pursuing her education in Kwara State, Abiodun has shattered barriers with her historic win, marking a significant milestone for gender inclusivity in student leadership within Ekiti State and the South-West region.
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Abiodun, in an exclusive interview, shared her journey from early involvement in student politics to clinching the prestigious presidency. Starting as Assistant General Secretary and progressing through various leadership roles within the university, she demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving her fellow students and advocating for gender equality in leadership positions.
Reflecting on her victory, Abiodun expressed both emotional and strategic satisfaction, emphasizing the broader impact of her achievement beyond FUOYE. "Initially, I saw this as an opportunity to bring visibility to my university, but it turned out to be much more," she remarked. Her campaign was met with challenges typical of pioneering endeavors, including gender bias and logistical hurdles between FUOYE's Ikole and Oye campuses.
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Addressing these challenges head-on, Abiodun employed a resilient campaign strategy that involved extensive outreach, personal engagement with students, and a compelling vision for inclusive student governance. "I faced rejection based on my gender and encountered skepticism about female leadership capabilities," she disclosed. "But I persisted, knowing that my candidacy symbolizes hope and possibility for future female leaders."
Looking ahead, Abiodun is poised to champion gender equality initiatives and empower female students through mentorship programs. She plans to leverage her presidency to inspire and mentor aspiring leaders across various fields beyond politics. "I want to host mentorship sessions that nurture leadership skills in media, business, and entrepreneurship," she affirmed. "Leadership is not confined to politics; it's about empowering individuals to excel in their chosen paths."
With her inauguration, Abiodun Olorunshola Mary not only makes history but also sets a precedent for inclusive leadership and empowerment at FUOYE. Her tenure promises to be a beacon of change, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for students aspiring to lead and excel.
