EDITORIAL: Is LASUSU Missing the Plot?

A few days ago, the Students' Parliamentary Council (SPC) made a historic move by suspending the President of the Students’ Union, Comrade Haroun Tobun. As simple and pedestrian as this statement may appear to the average politically apathetic LASUite, it really did happen. For the average LASUite, this might seem like just another event in the chaotic world of campus politics. But this decision, stemming from appalling allegations, should make us all pause and reflect.

For context sake, this is the first time in the university's history that this is happening. According to the SPC, Tobun was suspended for financial misappropriation, unaccountability and disregard for the constitution. He purportedly received on more than one occasion money meant for the union that he is unable to account for. He is also accused of stifling the office of the acting chairman of the transport committee and assigning his duties to the suspended chairman. It is a little ironic, isn’t it? The very office that should be a beacon of integrity and inspiration is now under scrutiny for actions that do anything but inspire confidence. 

This unprecedented step raises several questions about the direction and focus of our student leadership.While we commend the SPC for stepping up to its watchdog role, it is interesting to note that their vigilance seems to peak when money is involved. We have seen this before with Comrade Benjamin Ibiade’s suspension a few months ago. Yet, where is this enthusiasm when it comes to addressing issues that directly affect students?Consider the recent increase in school fees for 100-level students. The SPC’s response? Silence. And what about the sudden hike in convocation fees? Not a peep. The silent excuse for this, we hear, was that the convocating students were no longer students, and that they do not represent them.  Also, when certain 100-level students who had paid school-fees and other fees, and allocated to departments were suddenly deemed non-students, and unable to write exams, the SPC’s muteness was loudly heard by these students who desperately needed someone to speak for them. 

It is almost as if the issues that stir students' lives do not quite make it onto their agenda unless there is a financial scandal attached. One could argue that the SPC’s primary role is not to confront the management but to advocate for students’ interests. In fact, the council consists of representatives from every faculty whose basic role includes attending to issues that affect students well-being in the university, as well as serve as the mouthpiece for the students before the management. However, their capacity to influence seems limited to financial misappropriations, leaving real student concerns unaddressed. Their meetings seem more like an exercise in futility when the most pressing issues are ignored. Have they perhaps forgotten that their mandate goes beyond financial oversight?It is no surprise, then, that the student body is largely apathetic. Many might not even be aware of the president’s suspension or its implications. 

This indifference speaks volumes about the relevance of our student union’s activities to the average LASUite. They probably would have noticed and showed more concern if the council’s presence had indeed positively affected them. The current administration, both parliamentary and executive, has often been criticised for lacking direction and effectiveness. While there are exceptions, the overall performance has left much to be desired. It is almost as if our student union has become more of a stage for trivial disputes than a platform for meaningful leadership. Our beloved SU needs more than a tap in the back that will jolt them back to reality and wake them from their presumed deep slumber. 

So, as the rat race for new LASUSU offices begins, let this be a call to action. Let us be intentional about who we elect as our leaders. We need individuals who exemplify competence and integrity, with a proven track record of effective leadership. It is time for capable and dedicated students to step up and steer our union back on course. Perhaps then, we will see a revival in the true spirit of student leadership at LASU.