REGULATION AND CONTROL OF STUDENTS' UNION IN AFRICA

Students and their unions deserve to be strengthened in order to further expand the space for free speech and human rights within the democratic dispensation. A bill against students' activism of whatever kind or students' manipulation by opposition/foreign powers can hardly be contemplated at this time. They have used students to fight opponent and when they got power they are fixing legislation against student association.

In Nigeria the committee on Education of the House of Representatives has been considering a rather strange bill on the regulation and control of students' union activities. It is a little difficult to build up reasons or issues that precipitated this bill, at least within the orbit of current inter-locking economic, socio-cultural or political events.

That the House of Representatives is also considering another bill to regulate and control the press against the backdrop of its refusal to approve a Freedom of Information Bill. It raises the question why a parliament that is supposed to widen the democratic space is busy taking steps that will shrink political freedom. With a general election less than a year from now in the country its electoral integrity are unattractive. By the time the House completes its bill to regulate and control students' union activities. It would certainly have succeeded in turning Africa's most populous nation into a political wilderness.

The continuous ownership of student movement in Africa by politicians, will only increase the street protect by student. This is why the House of Representatives will have to reconsider its intentions and pretensions about a bill that endangers the freedom of students to express their thoughts on matters affecting their respective society and the academic community.

Besides, it is not true that students' unionism poses the kind of threat that is being suggested. Historically, all over the world, students have helped to change the course of development in their countries and beyond. Nigeria will probably not be the independent, self-minded and assertive country it is today but for the decisive role of students in preventing the parliament headed by Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa signing a Defence Pact with Britain after independence. That of Ghana is in no dispute.

Students in Europe played a critical role in pulling down the Berlin Wall in 1989 helping to thaw relations between the ideological East and West that finally led to the dismantling of communism in the Soviet Union and across the world. The brave protest of the Chinese students at Tiananmen Square, Beijing 20 years ago helped China to gain the liberalization that has brought about Chinese prosperity. The students' protests of the 1960s have turned Europe to a more respected voice in the world and the examples can be multiplied even locally. Many will remember the heroism of students in the struggle against military authoritarianism in Nigeria in the 80s and 90s.

It is not surprising that opposition is mounting against the proposed bill. What is surprising is that Honourable members of the House of Representatives do not consider the bill a waste of valuable time.

The House should perish its idea of a bill to control the democratic activities of students' unions. A better option is to give students the opportunity to develop a better sense of belonging and ownership within the academic community and such improved relations between the Students' Affairs Office and the unions that will reduce belligerence and promote self-restraint and mutual co-operation. The politician must stop recruiting corrupt students leaders who are found have misapplied student funds, levies, properties and taken per diem that can’t be supported by evidence. The castle must stop sponsoring students for the purpose of stopping student demonstration for change.

This would include their involvement in decision-making processes relating to their welfare and interests, but even more significantly, ensuring that the school system is upgraded in such a manner that promotes the objectives of quality education. Gagging students through a provocative piece of legislation that could result in further disruptions within the system is in no way in the national interest.

Academic infrastructure must be improve very well so us to allow for more intake of students in the various universities. The cost for academic fees must be reasonable for both the young and old to go for further upgrade of knowledge. Students must learn to stop believing politicians, but they must fight a good fight that can change the future of brothers and sisters who are yet to start university education. Years ago, when we found ourselves in leadership, we fought for change and groom leaders to take our place just for the fight to continue freedom for all.

We fought for Getfund but it is used us political tool for pressing for quietness in institutions whose students are trouble makers in the country or are heard in the media daily on the fight for freedom. If we have forgotten soon like the deputy minister of information Master Samuel Ablakwa then we are likely to continue to see education come to nothing. Your promise to get UD students have a comfortable life while academic work goes on is still fresh in their minds.

These are names of some NUGS presidents who suffer in the hands of politicians and their institution included Ken, Omani, Ablakwa, and Abu, who had the academic dreams in danger. Today some are found in government and little input comes from them toward the shaping of student association. The current NUGS leadership can’t speak of an own office and the finances of the association is in bad shape. The leadership is at the mercy of the politician to give them money for every function that must be organized. These are the secret regulation and control of student association. Shame!! Shame!!