By Obende Deborah Ofuje
The National Association of Life Sciences Students (NALSS) on Monday, 30th October, 2023 held an engaging Manifesto/Governorship Debate event hosted by the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), University of Benin. The event was skillfully moderated by Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua, a dedicated member of ACJ UNIBEN, with co-host Chimaobi Nwaorisa providing valuable insights and enriching the discussions.
The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as various candidates stepped forward to present their manifestos. Each candidate received enthusiastic cheers and chants from the crowd, reflecting the excitement and anticipation of the audience. The candidates and positions introduced were as follows:
Assistant Secretary General: Favour Obuseh
Treasurer: Chibuikem Okafor
Public Relations Officer: Destiny Toritseju
Director of Sports: Ebibo Tedeke and Princess Aminu
Director of Welfare: Andrew Iyere and Ishokri Precious
Director of Socials: Godwin Osasenaga
Financial Secretary: Njoku Blessing Chidinma
Secretary General: Boluwatife Kolawole and White Kome Isinika
Deputy Governor: Chioma Ezeuba and Martyna Uba
Before the candidates for the position of governor presented their manifestos, the event received a distinguished guest, Vanessa Egbeahie, the Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Her presence was celebrated with chants and shouts from the crowd. Vanessa, a former Vice President of the Students Union Government, University of Benin, greeted the students and took the opportunity to encourage the candidates, particularly those running for the position of governor. She expressed her excitement about the increasing competitiveness of the elections, even with female competitors and wished all the candidates the best.
Vanessa Egbeahie concluded her speech by expressing her pride in having emerged from the Faculty of Life Sciences.
For the office of governor, the Life Sciences faculty had three aspirants, namely Adams Agbontaen Osamudiamen, Beatrice Ezinne Egwu and Amana Alao Seneire. These candidates presented their manifestos swiftly while their supporters chanted their names and slogans, setting the stage for the ensuing debate.
Debate Session Highlights Thought-Provoking Discussions on Nigeria’s Future and Campus Safety
In the riveting debate session, participants engaged in a robust exchange of ideas on pressing issues, ranging from Nigeria’s political landscape to campus safety. The event was marked by thought-provoking questions from the host and the audience.
Nigeria’s Political Landscape
The debate kicked off with a topic about the recent Supreme Court’s verdict on the 2023 Nigerian President Elections. The ACJ UNIBEN moderator, CJ Gift Obiajuru stated, “Supreme Court’s Verdict on Tinubu’s Victory: Last thursday, the Justice John Okoro-led panel of the apex court threw out all the appeals by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi for lacking merit. The panel thereafter upheld electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu. In your opinion, what is the way forward for Nigeria?”
In response to the topic. Beatrice stated, “There is no way forward until we achieve independence.” Adams emphasized the need for an independent judiciary, saying, “Once the judiciary is independent, there will be no fear to utter or speak the truth.” Amana, with brevity, stated, “I’ll just give a very brief answer to that, and the answer is revolution.”
These answers were received with mixed emotions from the crowd, with some cheering, and some criticising the answers in side talks.
Campus Safety and Anti-Cultism Measures
The discussion then turned to campus safety and anti-cultism measures, where CJ Gift asked, “Tell us your take on cultism and how you plan to contribute to creating a safe environment in the Faculty of Life Sciences.”
Amana then highlighted the importance of providing security tips for students when they are out at night. Adams proposed collaboration with the school management and security department, focusing on orienting students about social vices. Beatrice underscored the need to discourage cultism and educate students about its negative consequences.
Federal Student Loans and Student Welfare
“What is your stance on the current federal student loan and a scheme to benefit your students, especially the indigent ones,” the moderator asked on the topic of federal student loans and schemes benefiting students.
In response, Adams expressed his disapproval of student loans, advocating for scholarships and better financial management. “I don’t support student loans. Why can’t you provide scholarships for students? If the country’s finances are properly directed, everyone can receive a scholarship,” he said.
Amana emphasized an empowerment agenda that allows students to help themselves, irrespective of the loan scheme. Beatrice, in her words, then suggested to “teach students how to achieve financial stability.”
Amana’s Plans and Assurance
In a heated question session from the audience, Amana faced questions about her election promises, including the construction of a new relaxation center and secretariat renovation. She assured the audience that she wouldn’t rely solely on faculty funds and believed alumni could be approached for contributions.
Another question directed at her stated “You haven’t served at the faculty level before. What assurance can you give us of your performance?”
In response, Amana emphasized her cautious approach and the endorsements she had received from various organizations. “I’m the type of person who doesn’t rush into things. I wait for the perfect time before taking action. I have received endorsements from various organizations,” she stated.
Adams Attempts to Clarify Records
In a tense moment, Adams responded to a question about his previous role as the faculty PRO, correcting the student about the details of her service. The student stated, “For the 2020/2021 session, you served as the faculty PRO, and I was a departmental PRO. I remember having to get information to you so as to disseminate to other departments. These information about the Faculty were what you should gotten before any other person and I had to bring them to you several times. How do you plan to serve the faculty in a higher position with that track record?”
Adams, while responding, stated, “I want to correct the notion that you were giving me information. In fact, you were not the PRO; you were the acting PRO.” This led to an outburst from the audience, with the student who asked the question, attempting to go on stage to confront him up close. The situation was eventually calmed by the Electoral Commission Representatives present and the session came to an end.
The manifesto/debate session provided valuable insights into the views and plans of the candidates on critical issues, stirring conversations on the way forward for both the nation and the the Faculty of Life Sciences, popularly known as, the Faculty that breeds life.
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