All is set at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as the institution prepares for its highly anticipated Student Union Government (SUG) elections slated for June 25, 2025. The atmosphere on campus has grown increasingly electrified, with campaign posters, manifestos, and debates dominating student interactions both offline and on social media platforms.
The elections, coordinated by the OAU Students’ Electoral Commission, are expected to usher in a new wave of student leaders across various key offices in the union. With a total of 21 candidates cleared to run across eight major executive positions, students from diverse faculties are throwing their hats into the ring, hoping to steer the direction of student governance for the next academic session.
In the presidential race, five candidates will be contesting for the union’s highest office. Among them are Babatunde Akilapa Azeez (Akilapa) from the Faculty of Administration, Akintoye Dunamis (Dunamis) from Computing Science, Itabi from Science, Prof Mike from Education, and Oba from Agriculture. The diversity of faculties represented indicates a competitive contest that could go down to the wire.
For the position of Secretary General, two contenders are in the spotlight: Habeeb Isa Opeyemi from Education Management and Caleb Taiwo (Janvi) from the Faculty of Administration. Both have anchored their campaigns on improving administrative communication and transparency within the union.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) seat will see three aspirants vying for the role: Bashir Ayomide (Alafe) from Science, Nurudeen Imran (Longman) from Social Sciences, and Wàála from Computing Science. Their manifestos have emphasized timely information dissemination and stronger media presence for the union.
The Vice Presidential contest features Falade Iyanuoluwa (Iyanuoluwa) from the Faculty of Arts and Rojugbokan Omotola (Omotola) from Social Sciences. Both have promised to act as strong bridges between the executive and the student body, with particular emphasis on academic welfare and extracurricular activities.
In the race for Welfare Director, Musab from the Faculty of Technology will go head-to-head with Cypher from Education. Their debates have centered around hostel conditions, access to campus health services, and general student wellbeing. The Financial Secretary contest also features two candidates—Fact and Abdol—both from the Faculty of Administration, with pledges to ensure prudent financial records and accountability.
The position of Sports Director has attracted three candidates: Tommy from Dentistry, Malik Jymer from Education, and Oluwadamilare from Administration. These contenders are focused on revitalizing intra-campus sports competitions and improving athletic facilities. Meanwhile, the post of Director of Socials will be contested by Hado from Law and Nayna from Administration, both promising lively campus events and inclusive entertainment.
Finally, for the role of Assistant Secretary General, three students are in the race—Okunola Usman (Comrade Ola) from Law, Africca from Arts, and Admiral of OAU from Social Sciences. Their campaigns have focused on record-keeping efficiency and expanding access to union updates.
The OAU Student Union elections have long been regarded as one of the most politically vibrant in Nigerian tertiary institutions. With voting scheduled to take place across designated polling units on campus, the student body is encouraged to participate in large numbers. Security measures, voter education, and fair play will be crucial as the university community anticipates what could be a landmark student leadership transition.
