Inside GreatIfe Students’Union: Top Political Events That Defined OAU in 2025

By
         Aderonke Adedunni & Priscilla Ayankoso

The GreatIfe Students'Union as one of the strongest student leadership forums in Nigeria, experienced quite a number of eventful political activities and power clashes in the year 2025. These events, altogether defined the GreatIfe Students'Union as not just a platform to showcase leadership prowess, but also for personal development, taking responsibilities, character development, building relationships and collaborations.

In the year 2025, the Icons Organization published a series of political reports covering key activities and developments within the Students’ Union, particularly the Central Executive Council (CEC) and Students’ Representative Council (SRC). 

This reports document issues bordering on committee ratification, leadership performance, electoral processes, and internal governance challenges on OAU campus in 2025.

In case you missed any of these political events, this report is the compilation of our 2025 published articles on various political events, identifying recurring governance concerns, highlighting their implications for student representation and accountability within the institution.


Committee Ratification and Governance Activation

One major political development reported was the eventual ratification of several Students’ Representative Council (SRC) committees with less than three months remaining in the academic session, administration led by Omoboriowo Isaac (Dr Bush) as the union President. Committees ratified included the Transport Management Committee (TMC), Security Committee, Hall Committees, Inter-Hall Committees, Judicial Commission, and other statutory bodies.

Prior to the ratification, many of these committees either operated on an interim basis, or remained inactive due to delays attributed to low volunteer turnout and administrative bottlenecks. 

READ MORE: http://theiconsorg.blogspot.com/2025/05/with-less-than-three-months-remaining.html

The formal ratification marked a critical step toward restoring institutional legitimacy and operational effectiveness within the student governance structure. However, the late timing raised concerns about efficiency and the ability of these committees to fully execute their mandates before the end of the session.


Leadership Accountability: Manifesto Performance Review

This significant political report by our correspondents, assessed the performance of the then Students’ Union President, Omoboriowo Isaac (Dr Bush), through a manifesto scorecard, as his administration came to an end. The review examined promises made during the election campaign against actions taken while in office.

The report acknowledged notable achievements, including resistance to transport fare increases, the provision of a borehole to improve water access, financial assistance to selected students, and intervention in securing the release of detained students.

 Moreover, despite these accomplishments, the review highlighted several unfulfilled promises, such as the failure to implement the proposed solar-powered “Always-On Lighting” project, inadequate improvements in hostel sanitation, and the absence of a Students’ Union store to provide affordable goods.

READ MORE: http://theiconsorg.blogspot.com/2025/06/manifesto-review-scorecard-on-students_8.html

The president cited financial limitations and logistical challenges as reasons for incomplete implementation. This report emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and realistic policy planning in students.


Electoral Commission Appointment and Political Tensions

Political tension within the SRC was evident during the appointment and ratification of the Electoral Commission and Electoral Petition Official, during the last Students'Union election held in June.

READ MORE: http://theiconsorg.blogspot.com/2025/06/electoral-commission-and-electoral.html

The process was marred by disagreements over nomination procedures, allegations of bias, and disputes involving the SRC Speaker and Students’ Union President.

The situation escalated into disorder, almost leading to a physical fight between these two union leaders. Although the appointments were eventually concluded and officers sworn in, the incident exposed weaknesses in procedural clarity, conflict management, and consensus-building within the legislative arm of the Students’ Union.

The political reports analyzed reveal a student governance system undergoing gradual stabilization amid operational challenges. While progress was made through committee ratification and leadership initiatives, persistent issues such as delayed action, political conflict, and unmet commitments highlight the need for improved planning, stronger institutional frameworks, and enhanced accountability mechanisms.

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