By: Oyekanmi ABIODUN [Politikz]

Seven months ago, on 12th July, 2019 precisely, President Thomas Ajayi (and members of his cabinet) assumed the office of President of the National Association of Political Science, UI. His assumption followed an epochal election in the department’s history. It was the first time all executive positions were democratically elected as against appointment which used to be the case.

The 2019 executive election brought about a new dimension into NAPSS politics. The enactment of a new NAPSS constitution under the Chisom-led Senate administration in 2019 which ushered in amongst other things, the elective principle for all positions within the council marks a significant landmark in the political climate of the department. Coincidentally, the new constitution, not without it issues, was supervised by the incumbent president, Mr. Tom Ajayi as the head of the Constitutional Review Committee, and was passed into law amidst controversies and concerns. Sequel to that, a fresh election was conducted to fill different positions within the executive council. With the exception of the office of the president and vice president. This was because, they had ab initio been elected as running mates under the previous constitution.

The genesis of individual candidacy as against appointment helped breath fresh minds into our political space, and by extension reengineered the level of political participation of students within the department. This yielded fruits in the area of increase in the turnout that was recorded from both the divide of aspirants and voters. And for the very first time NAPSSites had an opportunity to decide the who-is-who who wears the fabric of power and protect their common interests.

Equally important unarguably, is the department coming from an underwhelming outgoing administration rooted in series of ugly events which led to the impeachment of the then president. The executive organ was in dire need of an image laundering process to reclaim its legitimacy and cleanse its dented popularity. The new constitution with some of it’s salient provisions couldn’t have come at a better time.

Popularly heralded as a messianic tenure, the Tom Ajayi led administration launched the “Excellence Agenda” that will reposition NAPSS back on the track of development and prosperity. The Excellence Agenda was instituted in order to actualize the aspirations of successive administration since the establishment of the department in 1963. The key elements in the Excellence Agenda include: Academics; Capacity Building; Excursions; Smooth Functioning of NAPSS Agencies; Social Activities; Legacy Projects; and Community Service among several others.

It must also be noted that each other member of the cabinet made distinct promises whilst campaigning for their respective offices. Notable, are the pledges of the General Secretary, Miss Makinde Olayinka; Financial Secretary, Mr. Aikore Timileyin; Sports Director, Mr. Kuram Manasoko; and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Yekeen Azeez.

So to all members of the Excellence Team, there were expectations at the time you were coming in, and there were promises made to the generality of NAPPSSites. All these will make us ask, right at this juncture, to what extent have you been able to deliver your promises?

As this tenure winds down, it presents an opportunity to assess the achievements and failures of the administration so far.

Watch out for the CONCLUDING PART in the coming weeks!!!

© POSSPRESS UI