THE MEET:"From ACW-UA Founder to SUG Contender; Inside the Journey of Prince Ezeabata Chibuzor"

Good evening, UofA!

Good evening, Nigeria!!

Welcome to this episode of The Meet with ODOGWU and on this season of love, I'll be interviewing one the finest UofA 2023 graduates, Prince Ezeabata Chibuzor. 

A. Prince Ezeabata Chibuzor is my name. I recently signed out from the Faculty of Law in December last year. Arguably, I'm the most influential student in my set, and one of the most influential students in the university’s history.

A. First, it began with founding a student organization on campus. The organization is known as ACW-UA on campus, which stands for the Association of Creative Writers, University of Abuja Chapter. I didn’t do it alone. I had the support of many people along the way. I founded ACW-UA in my first year at the university, and the association is recognized as an organization on campus without the influence of any external support. The association was my initial platform. Subsequently, I was appointed to serve the students in different capacities. I hosted the largest Career event at the University of Abuja and represented the university at various competitions, including the ICPC National Debate Competition. I was also selected to represent Nigeria in East Africa by the Pan African Organisation for Peace and Conflict Resolution. I introduced the first significant Award on campus - the DUSA Awards. The name "VC Boy" comes from setting a record as the first student to host a sitting Vice-Chancellor of the University live in a physical event. I also contested for the office of the President, Student Union Government, and represented parties before the SUG COURT in live cases. There is a lot more, but this is sufficient to mention.

A. Yes, I am, and I have.

A. Firstly, it has been by the grace of God. I wouldn't be here if not for God. God has directed my path and led me. I always tell young people, hold God tight. It hasn't been easy. Well, nothing is easy anyway, but for me, it has been a mixture of grace, challenges, wins, but in all, it is never easy. Of course, nothing good comes easy.

A. My involvement in student Politics was with the intention to maximize my influence, experience, and goodwill for the benefit and service of the greater student community. It is as simple as that. I took the challenge, and I am glad for the realization and experience. I learned a lot about myself, systems, and people. The memoir titled ‘House of Cats’ is to share my experiences that others may learn from them.

Q. What are these lessons? Tell us about them.

A. There are a lot. Number one, people aren't who they seem to be most times. When you as an individual begin to grow, be ready to attract enough hate and envy. There are a lot, but these are the most important lessons. The experience made me stronger, at least, not to expect too much from anyone but myself.

A. When we talk about permanent enemies nor permanent friends in politics - in what context, in what circumstances.

A. The essence for a participation in student politics is to experience and test the waters. The system as it were, or probably is, is a reflection of the bigger political arena as practiced in the country. 

It is all fine because we tend to learn more about systems and individuals, and in doing so, we are equipped with a more refined and sophisticated approach toward systems and individuals beyond the walls of the student community. 

The things we do here speaks more about us as individuals beyond the walls of this university. Although, some may think “It doesn’t matter. It’s just politics” but, we can’t take away the fact that the actions of individuals in relation with colleagues and mates in the cause of politics are a glimpse of what they will be tomorrow. While we may think, it doesn’t matter what we do and how we do it. It does matter, because people sees, watch, take stock and will attest about you today or tomorrow.

A. Most Awards on campus are based on vote-buying, engagement counts, and the number of votes solicited from the public. These awards are not based on merit. It's okay if you do that for beauty or reality shows. The public is involved in those, but awards to recognize exceptional qualities on campus should be strictly based on merit. I believe in introducing change and action instead of criticizing. The Distinguished Undergraduate Student Awards were introduced to discourage that practice. The awards were given entirely by merit and are the first significant awards to that effect in the history of the University of Abuja introduced by a student or a student Association. Ten students were awarded the DUSAWARDS 2023. I hope in time, people desist from participating in those unmerited and unscrupulous awards and organizing such fundraising activity in the guise of award. Awards where the highest bidder wins are not awards. It is an organized reward for gain scheme.

A. Well, I am glad you did now.

A. LAWSAN is absolutely fine. What more can I say?

A. For there to be peace, there must be conflict. Are there conflicts in LAWSAN?

A. Learn how the world works while you are in school, engage yourself, and learn public speaking, communication, and networking skills. In addition to that, please do away with the societal notion that you go to school to be able to get jobs. While there is a sense in that, that is not the entire truth. Please do away with that mindset. That is for the masses. Rather, understand that you go to school to get prepared to access global opportunities, which could come in the form of jobs among others.

A. The moment when I was recognized by the university and selected to represent the country in East Africa.

A. The day I lost the SUG / SRA elections.

A. My proudest moments are whenever I stand to speak to other students on becoming excellent and reminding them why they need to become better as young Nigerians, using myself as an example.

A. (chuckles) I was in a relationship.

A. Nope. I didn’t have an interest in dating any girl from the Faculty of Law.

A. I will pass on that. (laughter)

A. Time shall tell. May God help us in our pursuits and give us grace and strength.

A. The University of Abuja is a breeding ground for excellence. Utilize the university to build yourself as a young individual and maximize your skills. However, everyone has their path. I recognize this, and on that note, I will say be yourself and just become a better you. Depending on every individual's circumstances and realities, the university challenges may be felt differently, but just be focused and valuable by learning beyond the Classroom. My pride as an individual stems not from my achievements but my impacts and positive influence to inspire and not to impress. That’s all.

Thank you so much for your time and attention, Comr. Prince Ezeabata Chibuzor, lines are fallen in pleasant places for you and to my audience, and we wish to have you again, someday as a proud Alumni.

To all our students; stay safe and enjoy the Convocation ceremony tomorrow. 

Guess who is our next visitor on The Meet with ODOGWU?