The student union government (SUG) is a government made up of students, elected to manage and represent the interest of the entire students before the school authority and other agencies. They are driven by the quest for students welfare. They play the following roles.
(1) Checkmating the policies of the school authority towards the students. This has saved the students from the dangers of wicked policy makers. Among this bad policies are unjustifiable hike in tuition fees, restrictions of students right and freedom, poor learning facilities among others.
(2) They protect students welfare. They on behalf of the students, demand for better accommodation, good learning environment, provision of social amenities on campus etc. With a good SUG in place, the students enjoy quality representation and a good welfare.
(3) They organise social activities for the students. Most popular among these is the students' week, during which event like beauty peagent, games competition, excursions, and seminars are carried out. Being students, they know how to improve the social life on campus.
Although the SUG has the above functions, it is pertinent to note that the trust imposed on some of them have been abused.
(1) First, it has resulted to increased violence and destruction of properties in the school. In a bid to fight for students' welfare, the SUG often result to violent means instead of peaceful demonstration and engagement. This has caused schools to be closed down, student rusticated, and even forced to pay for damaged properties.
(2) Enbezzlement of the Union's fund.
Some have abused their office by diverting the Union's money to personal use. What a betrayal of trust! The love for money and get rich quick syndrome have led many to abandon the struggle for students welfare for their individual selfish interest. They are bribed by the authorities to compromise their agitations there by leaving the students to their fate. This is pathetic! ''When things fall apart, the Centre cannot hold." This has made the life on campus very tough for students and no voice to speak for them.
The fact remains that the students need a good and dependable representation. Although some have called for the abolishment of the Union but the baby and the bathe water should not be thrown away. The solution is not in the abolishment of the SUG in schools but in repositioning it to achieve the set aim and objective.
Efforts should be made to ensure that credible hands are elected into this office. Those with good leadership traits and moral standards should be elected. This can be achieved by ensuring that the election process is through competitive debate and manifestos. It should be devoid of monetary or material inducement.
Also, the school authority should set up a credible body that will periodically audit the Union's account. Any official found wanting, should be severely punished and made to refund all money stolen. This will serve as deterrent to others. The students need fair and quality representation and it should not be denied them.
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