By O.V.Collins

In a surprising turn of events, the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Comrade Idemudia Osasogie Divine has tendered her resignation, citing a failure of the elected leaders and the need for a change in the system. In a heartfelt letter, dated 26th, June 2023, and addressed to the student body and the university management, Comrade Divine expressed her concerns and urged everyone to hold her accountable for her words.

“The lingering issues are neither the fault of the management nor the fault of the SUG, but it is actually the fault of the leaders we elected. WE HAVE FAILED YOU ALL,” Divine stated in the letter. She emphasized the importance of future elections, urging the students to elect officers who will truly represent their interests and restore integrity to the SUG.

Divine, who expressed her gratitude for the privilege of serving in the position, acknowledged the university management’s awareness of the SUG’s role as the voice of the students. However, she stressed that capable leaders were crucial to prevent any pain caused by the management’s decisions. The resigned vice president also cautioned against the influence of former student leaders who may not align with the current students’ interests.

“I advise you remain resolute, courageous and determined. I can tell you for sure that the University Management will never cause you pain if you have capable hands leading your interest,” Divine wrote in her letter, urging her fellow students to rally together and identify students who can effectively communicate with the university management to achieve positive results.

Divine’s resignation has sparked conversations around the University of Benin community, with students discussing the need for accountable and responsible leadership within the Students’ Union Government. Her decision to step down has awakened questions, begging the importance of addressing the concerns she has raised and working towards a brighter future for the UNIBEN community.
“I want to say a very big thank you for the privilege given to me serve. I promise to uphold the image of the Institution as I walk through my path in life,” Divine wrote, quoting her dedication to maintaining the institution’s reputation.

Addressing future student leaders, she urged them not to let their personal interests override the will of the people who elected them. She also emphasized the importance of prayer for the president, cautioning against the influence of certain individuals who seek to manipulate the office for their own gain.

“To the future student leaders, never ever allow your interest override the will of the people (Students) who elected you to power, PRAY FOR YOUR PRESIDENT, and this is because there has been a generational spell accrued to that office enshrined by some selected few (cocoyam farmers) who feel it’s an opportunity to have their way and so they go as far as doing anything to ensure he/she dances to their tune,” the letter read.

Acknowledging her imperfections and past conflicts within the executive team, Divine extended her gratitude and blessings to her fellow executive members, wishing them wisdom in their leadership roles.

“To my fellow executive, I’m not overly perfect and I know I offended a lot of you while in office, but trust me I’m conscious of what is ahead of me. God bless you all and grant you wisdom to lead through,” the resigned Vice President stated.

She also addressed the SUG Parliament, emphasizing its importance as a vital organ of the Students’ Government. She urged the parliamentarians to navigate negotiations and disagreements with executives in a way that ultimately benefits the students, while still upholding their responsibilities to serve.

“The Parliament remains a very vital organ of the Students Government… I advise we find a way to ensure the students benefit the dividends of electing their leaders while negotiations are ongoing,” Divine wrote, urging the parliamentarians to prioritize the welfare of the students in their decision-making.

Finally, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the students from the prestigious Faculty of Agriculture, recognizing their support and contribution to her journey. She encouraged them not to be demotivated by her resignation, but rather to use it as a pillar to lean on, reminding them of the values of integrity she left behind.

“To the students from the prestigious Faculty of Agriculture, I want to sincerely appreciate you for the privilege given to me… I can’t thank you enough; please beg that my stance shouldn’t be a means to demotivate you but instead it should serve as a pillar to lean on, if there is nothing I have left behind, trust me; the entire Students leader community are aware of the values portrayed by students from the Faculty of Agriculture, I left INTEGRITY behind,” her letter concluded.

As the University of Benin community continues to grapple with the implications of Divine’s resignation, the hope for positive change and accountable leadership remains strong. The words of her resignation letter have sparked discussions and reflections on the state of student governance at UNIBEN, paving the way for a reevaluation of leadership structures and a renewed commitment to representing the interests of UNIBEN Students.

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