Today’s University Is Not Merely a Place For Academic Pursuit But Also a Vibrant Political Arena Where Ideas are Debated, Alliances are Formed, and Movements Often Begin

As the calendar inches closer to next Tuesday, the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is thick with political anticipation. The upcoming student union elections covering key positions such as President, Vice president, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Director of Sport, Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.), and Director of Socials have once again ignited the vibrant and often tense political culture that defines OAU’s student body.

OAU is no stranger to activism. Known nationally for its history of student resistance and intellectual radicalism, the university continues to live up to its reputation. As elections draw near, lecture halls, hostels, and social spaces buzz with conversations about manifestos, character assessments, and speculation over who will lead the next Students' Union.

Despite the absence of clearly defined political alliances this year, the level of engagement remains high.

 Candidates are moving from room to room in hostels, from department to department, hoping to win the hearts and votes of students. Campaign posters dot the walls, and impromptu debates break out in cafeterias and class groups. While the process so far has been largely peaceful, the atmosphere is calm. Behind the smiling posters and campaign slogans lies a deepquestion "who's next?"

“We need vision, not just vibes,” said a final-year student in the Faculty of Arts. “If you ask some candidates what their political ideology is, they’ll dodge the question.”

Social media has become a double-edged sword in this election cycle. While it allows candidates to reach wider audiences, it has also become a battleground for personal attacks, misinformation, and clout-chasing. Twitter, WhatsApp broadcasts, and anonymous campus blogs are filled with campaign materials — some inspiring, some funny.

All attention now turns to the university’s electoral commission, which has promised a credible process. Screening has been doneand manifesto presentations will begin on the 24th of June then to the final election which is going to be head on 26th of June 2025. But the real test lies ahead: ensuring that the election day is peaceful, accessible to most students on campus who wants to cast their vote for the candidates of their choice. 

The coming days at Obafemi Awolowo University will determine more than just who holds office, they will reflect the strength of the campus’s democratic culture. In a university where students are known to speak out, organize, and resist, the Student Union is not just a symbolic institution. It is the first taste of leadership for many.

No matter who wins, the hope is that the outcome reflects the will of the students, and that whoever emerges leads with transparency, courage, and service.