As the political atmosphere intensifies on the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), with Students’ Union campaigns gaining momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections, some students at the university’s Fajuyi Hostel have chosen a different path: academic focus over political engagement.
The Nigeria Education News team visited the Fajuyi Hostel Tuesday evening as part of our on-campus coverage of the Great Ife Students’ Union campaigns. While campaign teams from various aspirants stormed the hostel with chants, flyers, and loudspeakers, a significant number of students at the hostel’s reading centre remained unfazed, deeply engrossed in their books.
Our reporters engaged several students who, despite the rally’s proximity, did not step out to observe the campaign activities. Their reason? Academic priorities. A 300-level Law student who preferred to be identified as Damilola stated plainly: “I’m not against the Union, but right now my priority is my CGPA. The rally is loud and everywhere, but I have exams soon. That’s my focus.”
For some students, the skepticism toward student politics stems from perceived ineffectiveness. “They make promises, but how many are fulfilled?” a Pharmacy student asked. “I’d rather not get distracted. At the end of the day, what affects me most is how I perform in my courses.”
Another student in the Faculty of Agricultural Economics described the rally’s presence at the hostel as “a noisy intrusion,” saying, “They brought the campaign to our doorstep, literally. But it doesn’t change the fact that I need to graduate well. That’s why I’m here at the reading centre, not outside shouting.”
Though not entirely dismissive of the Students’ Union’s role, some of the students expressed deep apathy, citing limited improvements over the years. A 400-level student from the Faculty of Arts remarked, “We’ve had several union administrations, but issues like water scarcity, power outages, and overcrowded lecture halls remain. The real struggle is academic survival.”
Timing was another major concern. One Engineering student pointed out, “They arrived around 7 p.m. that’s when most of us settle down to study. If the Union wants respect, they should respect our study hours too.”
Despite the rally’s vibrant presence across the hostel, the reading centre remained calm and focused. The students there were seen flipping through textbooks, working on assignments, or silently reviewing lecture notes, with little to no interest in the political drama unfolding outside.
Some of them, however, said they still intend to vote but will do so privately after reviewing each candidate’s manifesto. “I’m not saying I won’t vote,” a Sociology student explained. “But I’ll vote based on merit, not noise or how colorful a campaign is.”
Others showed outright disinterest in voting, claiming they’ve been let down too many times. “The SU presidents come and go,” said one student. “But I still fetch water myself and deal with poor classroom facilities. That’s why I’m reading, not rallying.”
Nevertheless, the students made it clear that their decision to prioritize academics over politics should not be mistaken for hostility. A 500-level Medical student clarified, “We support student representation. But not everyone shows support by waving placards. Some of us support by staying informed, quietly.”
The situation at Fajuyi Hostel offers a striking contrast to the energy seen elsewhere on campus. While some students champion the political process with enthusiasm, others, like those at the reading centre, are choosing a quieter revolution one based on personal academic advancement rather than campaign slogans.
As the Great Ife Students’ Union election approaches, the divide between political engagement and academic dedication becomes increasingly visible, reflecting a nuanced student body with varied approaches to participation and progress.
