Uni 101: Effecting Change Through Activism and Politics in School

Once you gain admission into any Nigerian university, it is not difficult to start noticing the flaws in the system. Some things that are not right the way they should be will make your soul boil. You’ll be filled with the urge to do something, to fix this, to effect changes. Sometimes, you may succeed. Other times not so much. Student activism dates back to even the beginning of the formal education system. There is no doubt that student activism has helped to effect some positive changes in our school system in the past. Some activists paved the way for most of the things students enjoy presently. But it’d be dishonest to ignore the other downsides of it. How many activists have lived to enjoy the fruits of their labour? This is one of the major downsides of being an activist – it can get dangerous. It can become risky. 

Students’ peaceful demonstration in UNILAG

While in school, all my mother ever prayed for was my safe return. It’d be extremely selfish of me to put myself in dangerous positions while she is praying for my safety. It may seem cowardly. But the truth is that activism should be done with sense.  I remember in second year when my classmates banded together to fight for our rights. That was a form of activism. It was a harmless protest that worked in our favour. But if that protest had turned bloody, I’d have found my way out of that place. Nothing is worth my life at that moment. NOTHING. I admire those who are willing to stake their lives for the causes they believe in. Most of them have got nothing else to live for, so it’s understandable. If you aren’t the type of patriotic person, please note that there are other ways to effect changes within the community. It doesn’t have to be dangerous before it can be branded “activism”. 

1. Run for a student post:

The student union government is available for a reason – to protect the interests of the students. It is one of the most efficient ways to effect changes. Run for a post during election time. Fight for what you believe in. 

2. Internet activism:

Running anonymous social media pages that bring to light the issues students face in your campus can be an effective way of bringing changes. The media is a powerful tool. Utilise that. 

3. Organise awareness events:

So many other students are not thinking like you. They do not see things the way you do. Or maybe they do but do not have an outlet for letting their voices heard. Organising awareness programs will help them feel seen, heard. It’ll help channel their frustrations to the right sources. Educate those that are not aware of the situation. Share your passion with others. Band together to fight.

4: Demonstrations:

A horde of peacefully protesting students rallying around, trying to get their voices heard cannot be ignored for long. EMPHASIS is on PEACEFUL. If it gets out of hand, call it off. Better still, forums for dialogues can be instituted where representatives from the school can listen to your complaints. 

5. Be careful:

Remember you’re not the messiah; you don’t have to save everything. Learn how to walk away. I know a couple of activists that pissed off the wrong officials and they’ve been having issues with graduating. Not justifying the cruelty they’ve been subjected to because nobody deserves to suffer for what they believe in, all I’m trying to say is use wisdom. Know your priorities and be actively aware of when other things are trying to affect those priorities negatively. Fight but live to fight another day.