AAUA is in the period of political scuffle for power. Many AAUA students are on the struggle to gain power in the forthcoming Student Union election and breathtaking greetings from aspirants at major places on campus, AAUA INSIDER decided to greet the ‘political greeters’ and engage an aspirant for the position of the General Secretary of the Union − Balogun Ajose Toyosi ‘BATO’ in an exclusive interview. Excerpts…
Can you please introduce yourself and delve into your family background?
My name is Balogun Ajose Toyosi popularly known as BATO on campus. I am 300 level Student of English Education from the department of Arts Education. I am from a family of five of which I am the first born, I am from a Christian family. And also am from Akunnu-Akoko, Akoko North East.
Can you also tell us your educational background?
Well I attended Greater Tomorrow Nursery and Primary School, Ikare-Akoko. I attended Federal Science and Technical College, Ikare-Akoko where I did my JSS1 to JSS3. I proceeded to FUTA Staff Secondary School Akure, where I concluded my secondary school. I later took a pre-degree from 2 years after graduation at AAUA of which I was later offered admission.
What position are you aspiring for?
I am aspiring to be the next Student Union General Secretary.
What leadership experience do you have for this position?
I am currently the General Secretary of Arts Education department that comprises of four Units, English Education, History Education, Religious Studies Education and Yoruba Education. I have also served in other indigenous association too, I am the immediate past Director of Sports, National Congress of Akoko Student (National Body). And I am the current SA (Special Assistance) to the NIDSUG (Niger Delta Student Union Government) Nation Vice President.
We have other vital position, why do you choose the position of General Secretary?
There are other vital position but the main reason I am vying for the office of General Secretary is that, the office is a very vital and sensitive post, which needs an experienced and we’ll oriented Secretary to oversee the affairs of the Secretariat.
What can you say about the current General Secretary of the Union?
Of a truth, and without being biased, he is a good man and has put in his best in the betterment of our dear Union.
What are the changes you intend to affect, if you win the election?
I will make sure that proper records are meticulously documented without adding or subtracting from it. I will make sure the Secretariat is in a good condition and all correspondence coming from that office will be authentic. I will make sure the students are properly represented at the student union regardless of the department or faculty I come from.
What are the sane factors and characteristics that set you apart from your opponents?
Apart from that fact that I am the General Secretary of my department which has given me more experience as a secretary, I am a language student, it gives me the edge and the right choice of words of documents meticulously. I have also served in different students administration and I know how it works, permit me to say, I am not a newcomer here.
What advice do you have for your opponent(s)?
My candid advice for my opponents is that we shouldn’t see ourselves as enemies but a counterpart. Election is not do or die and lastly, we should always remember there is life after campus.
What massage do you have or AAUA Students?
My massage for AAUA Students is to start well and prepare well for the new semester because early preparation breeds good success as we all know that second semester are always short. My words of advice for them is to vote for credible and hardworking representatives.
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