Nigerians React as 17-Year-Old 200-Level Student Emerges UNIPORT SUG President
There has been an uproar within and outside the University of Port Harcourt following the emergence of 17-year-old, 200-level student, Senator Ameachi Tamuno Tonye Walison, as the new Students’ Union Government (SUG) President.
philips22 
There has been an uproar within and outside the University of Port Harcourt following the emergence of 17-year-old, 200-level student, Senator Ameachi Tamuno Tonye Walison, as the new Students’ Union Government (SUG) President.
Walison, who reportedly polled 1,198 votes, has now become the youngest person in recent history to lead the apex student body in the institution. His victory has sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the credibility of the process, the eligibility requirements, and the overall state of student politics on campus.
Some of the notable reactions include:
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A Facebook user wrote:
“That's the VC's choice… Don't mistake it. We know how things work in Nigerian politics. How on earth will he make the requirements at 200 level? It has gotten to that level where appointment has taken the place of elections, both in our families, secondary schools, higher institutions, communities, local governments, state, and the national. No more merits and people's choice. God will help us.” -
Another user commented:
“And why will 200 level be allowed to contest election? School don spoil o. Uniport my alma mater una fall my hand o.” -
A different reaction read:
“S.U.G don scatter, Aluta don spoil. How can a 17-year-old win student union governor? What level is he in school? What is his CGPA? Because I know when Aluta was still very active your CGPA must be above 3.6 before coming out to contest. S.U.G elections were never this cheap. If he's 17, does it mean he gained admission at the age of 14? Not possible. School don cast.” -
Another added:
“Tomorrow you go see Uniport 001 washing plates at Ematex before dem go give am food. Uniport Aluta don die jor.”
While the majority of the comments have been critical, accusing the system of compromise and questioning whether the election was free and fair, there have also been a few positive remarks hailing Walison’s boldness at such a young age.
The debate continues as many Nigerians wonder whether the rules guiding student politics have changed, or if this case is simply an exception tailored for a particular candidate.
