By Aliyu Baba Mohammed, Abdullahi Ibrahim Aliyu, Amina Ismaila, Haris Muhammad Bashir
Amidst the bustling halls and sprawling campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The Student Representative Council (SRC), long considered the voice of the student body, is undergoing a changing of the guard. As the torch passes from Comrade Muhammadu Aminu Abdulazeez to the newly elected Nazeer Ibrahim Kallah, the air is thick with anticipation and hope.
ABU, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s higher education system, has always prided itself on nurturing not just academic excellence, but also strong student leadership. The SRC, a microcosm of Nigeria’s vibrant democracy, has been at the forefront of championing student rights, welfare, and aspirations. Now, as one chapter closes and another begins, the entire university community watches with bated breath.
This transition is more than a mere handover of titles and responsibilities. It represents a clash of ideas, a fusion of experiences, and a renewed commitment to the ideals that have long defined ABU’s student body. From battling fee hikes to fostering innovation, the outgoing and incoming presidents each bring their unique visions to the table, promising to reshape the landscape of student advocacy in this prestigious institution.
As we dive into the legacies of the past and the promises of the future, one thing becomes clear: the SRC’s role at ABU has never been more crucial. In an era of rapid change and unprecedented challenges, the student voice, amplified through effective leadership, stands as a beacon of hope and progress for all of Nigeria’s aspiring youth.
A Legacy of Advocacy: Comrade Muhammadu Aminu Abdulazeez’s Tenure
Comrade Muhammadu Aminu Abdulazeez’s journey to the SRC presidency is a testament to his dedication to student welfare. Having served as the Public Relations Officer during the Ali Sadiq administration and later as the Director of Sports under Kawuje’s leadership, Aminu brought a wealth of experience to his role when he assumed office in October 2023. His diverse background within the SRC provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by students and the intricacies of university administration.
Perhaps the most defining moment of Aminu’s presidency came when the university management, grappling with financial constraints due to the current economic realities, proposed a significant increase in school fees. Recognizing the potential impact on students, many of whom already struggled to meet existing financial obligations, Aminu led the SRC in a bold stand against the proposal.
“The Students of ABU would forever live to remember that SRC under my leadership fought for the reduction of school fees,” Aminu stated with pride during an exclusive interview at the SRC Secretariat in Samaru. “If not for that rejection; that we rejected the proposal by the school management, I think 50-70% of the students cannot come back to ABU, Zaria.”
This wasn’t merely a matter of opposing authority; it was about preserving the core values that have long defined ABU. As Aminu eloquently put it, “ABU is known to be the cheapest and most qualitative University in Nigeria. As such, we did everything humanly possible to keep the school with the good image of its affordability accompanied by quality education.”
The negotiations were intense, requiring a delicate balance between understanding the university’s financial needs and advocating for student accessibility. Through persistent dialogue and strategic advocacy, the SRC under Aminu’s leadership successfully negotiated a more reasonable fee structure, ensuring that the doors of education remained open to a broad spectrum of Nigerian youth.
Bridging Gaps: The Casual Staff Intervention
While many student leaders focus solely on issues directly affecting students, Aminu’s administration demonstrated a broader understanding of the university ecosystem. In a unprecedented move, the SRC intervened in a brewing crisis between the university management and casual staff members who were on the brink of strike action due to payment issues.
Recognizing the potential fallout of such a strike on student welfare, particularly those residing in hostels, Aminu and his team engaged in delicate negotiations. “Today, if the casual staff should go on strike, you know how students would suffer in the hostels,” Aminu explained. “So, bringing peace between the school management and the casual staff is one of the legacies this administration will leave behind.”
This intervention not only averted a potential crisis but also established the SRC as a key stakeholder in the broader university community. It showcased the council’s ability to think beyond immediate student concerns and consider the holistic well-being of the institution.
Empowering Through Skills: The Digital Revolution
Understanding that a university education extends beyond classroom learning, Aminu’s SRC embarked on an ambitious skills training program. Over the course of his tenure, more than 2,000 students benefited from various workshops and training sessions, with a particular emphasis on digital skills.
“We recognized that in today’s rapidly evolving job market, our graduates need more than just their degrees,” Aminu elaborated. “These digital skills will help our students sustain their lives even after leaving the ABU environment.”
The program covered a wide range of areas, from basic computer literacy to advanced programming and digital marketing. By partnering with industry experts and leveraging alumni networks, the SRC ensured that the training was not just theoretical but aligned with real-world demands.
A Vision for the Future as Nazeer Ibrahim Kallah Takes the Helm
As Comrade Aminu’s tenure comes to a close, the ABU student body looks to its new leader, Nazeer Ibrahim Kallah, with a mix of excitement and expectation. Kallah, a medical student with a robust background in student leadership, brings a fresh perspective to the role, blending academic rigor with political acumen.
Kallah’s journey to the SRC presidency is as unique as it is inspiring. “I’m a politically inclined person even though I’m a medical student,” Kallah explained during his post-election interview. “Some people may be asking why a medical student would be developing or more interested in the political arena or something like that.”
His political aspirations were nurtured during his time at SBRS Funtua, where he served as the president of the National Association of Medical College Students (NAMCS). This experience laid the groundwork for his vision of inclusive student leadership.
“We joined our heads together to come up with a single umbrella that will be recognized by the management of SBRS. We named it as the SBRS G20 presidential forum, which is almost a replica to SRC,” Kallah recounted, highlighting his early experiences in coalition-building and student advocacy.
A Campaign Built on Vision and Teamwork
Kallah’s campaign for the SRC presidency was marked by meticulous planning and a strong emphasis on teamwork. “Running for the office of SRC President has given me so many insomnia; so many sleepless nights with my team,” he shared, providing insight into the dedication behind his victory.
His approach involved setting up specialized committees for various aspects of the campaign, from media outreach to financing. This structured approach not only secured his victory but also laid the groundwork for his vision of a more organized and efficient SRC.
Central to Kallah’s vision for the SRC is a commitment to transparency and student involvement in decision-making processes. “I want to have an inclusive administration where students will be carried along in the process,” he stated emphatically.
One of his most ambitious proposals involves revolutionizing the SRC budgeting process. “I would love to suggest to the management to create an avenue where students, SRC officials, and the management will meet and discuss about the budget at Kontagora Square,” Kallah explained. This open forum approach aims to give students a direct say in how their SRC fees are utilized, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
Health and Welfare: A Medical Student’s Priority
Drawing from his background in medicine, Kallah places a strong emphasis on improving student health services. “Health, they said, is wealth,” he remarked, outlining plans to collaborate closely with the university’s medical center.
His proposals include establishing an SRC Medical Centre Task Force, chaired by a fellow medical student, to assess and improve health services on campus. “We want to create a google sheet for self-assessment and report process of how our students get access to these medical services rendered at the university,” Kallah explained, showcasing his data-driven approach to problem-solving.
Furthermore, Kallah aims to leverage external partnerships to enhance ABU’s medical facilities. “We also want to work with the Ministry of Health in Abuja,” he stated, “where we would officially request from them to mobilize its people to visit the school so they can do the little they can regarding our Medical Centre, especially in expanding its capacity and increasing its facilities to support distant locations like Phase 2.”
While student welfare remains a priority, Kallah is equally passionate about fostering academic excellence and innovation within ABU. “Academic Excellence, this will supersede everything I want to do as SRC President,” he declared, outlining plans for quiz competitions and academic discourses to identify and nurture innovative talents across all faculties.
“We have a state university created a robotic and selling it to world first-class company, why not ABU, Zaria?” Kallah challenged, setting ambitious goals for academic achievement. His vision extends beyond traditional academic pursuits, aiming to position ABU at the forefront of technological innovation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Kallah plans to take entrepreneurship training to new heights. “The most perfect mentality today is that mentality that thinks self-reliant,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for the challenges of the job market.
His approach involves not just training but also creating opportunities for practical application of skills. “I will collaborate with the management and invite captains of industries to invest on the students that exhibit extraordinary skills during the training,” Kallah explained, focusing particularly on final-year students who are on the cusp of entering the workforce.
Navigating the Road Ahead
As the SRC transitions from one leader to another, both Aminu and Kallah acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The ongoing economic pressures that led to the proposed fee hikes haven’t disappeared, and the need for improved infrastructure and services remains pressing.
However, both leaders see these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. Aminu’s successful negotiation of the fee structure and intervention in staff disputes have set a precedent for the SRC’s role as a key stakeholder in university decision-making. Kallah’s vision for transparent governance and student involvement in budgeting processes aims to build on this foundation, creating a more engaged and empowered student body.
The emphasis on skills training and entrepreneurship, initiated under Aminu’s leadership and set to expand under Kallah’s, reflects a broader understanding of education that extends beyond the classroom. As Nigeria’s job market continues to evolve, this focus on practical skills and innovation positions ABU graduates for success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
A Collaborative Future: Building on Past Successes
As he steps into his new role, Kallah is mindful of the legacy he inherits. “I have crystally told them to their hands on deck and make ABU SRC and this administration better than all the previous ones,” he stated, referring to his newly elected executive team.
This collaborative approach extends to his predecessors as well. Kallah has already reached out to former contestants and SRC officials, inviting them to chair committees and contribute their expertise. “So far I see the potentials in you, why not?” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive leadership.
As Ahmadu Bello University enters this new era of student leadership, the transition from Comrade Muhammadu Aminu Abdulazeez to Nazeer Ibrahim Kallah represents more than just a change in personnel. It symbolizes the continuous evolution of student advocacy, adapting to meet the changing needs of a diverse and dynamic student population.
Aminu’s tenure will be remembered for its bold stands on student welfare, from fighting fee hikes to empowering students with practical skills. Kallah’s incoming administration promises to build on this foundation, with ambitious plans for transparent governance, improved health services, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial development.
As the torch passes from one capable leader to another, the ABU community watches with anticipation. The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities. With a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and student empowerment, the SRC stands poised to write a new chapter in the storied history of Ahmadu Bello University.
In the words of the incoming president, Nazeer Ibrahim Kallah, “We believe that every student in ABU is equal to the task and has the potential whether little or big that will uplift the name of the school.” It is this belief in the collective potential of the student body that will drive the SRC forward, ensuring that the voice of every ABU student is heard, valued, and empowered.
As ABU moves forward under this new leadership, one thing remains clear: the spirit of advocacy, innovation, and academic excellence that has long defined this institution continues to burn bright, carried forward by a new generation of student leaders ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.