Gba-Gba Unleashed: A New Dawn for Student Leadership in Yakubu Gowon University

The announcement came during a visit by delegates of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to her office, a fitting audience for such a momentous declaration. With the poise of a seasoned reformer, she laid bare the context of her tenure: she inherited a university in disarray, a detour from its noble path, and has since taken up the mantle to restore its glory. “I was brought in as Vice-Chancellor when the university was in detour,” she said, her words carrying the weight of a patriot determined to right the wrongs of the past. “I am ready to make everything right.”

Her vision is as clear as it is inspiring. Recognizing the latent greatness in the university’s student leaders, she expressed her determination to unshackle them from the confines of a stifling parliamentary system. “They’re great leaders in our university,” she declared, “and I am willing to let them campaign and canvass in a free world.” In a moment of candid brilliance, she added, “I want to let you do your gba-gba and show that you’re capable of leading.” That phrase—“do your gba-gba”—is no throwaway line; it’s a vibrant, quintessentially Nigerian nod to the hustle, the grit, and the unyielding drive of our young people to prove their mettle.

This decision is nothing short of a masterstroke—a square peg in a square hole, as we say in these parts. The SUG, once a shadow of its potential, had deteriorated to its nadir before her arrival. The parliamentary system, with its rigid structures and muted voices, had stifled the very dynamism that should define student governance. Now, with the presidential system on the horizon, the stage is set for a renaissance. Students will campaign, compete, and lead with the vigor of a true democracy, mirroring the robust spirit of our national ethos.

As a student who has chronicled the ebbs and flows of this nation, I see this as more than a university reform—it’s a microcosm of Nigeria’s enduring quest for progress. The acting Vice-Chancellor’s resolve is a testament to the strength of our institutions and the unshakeable belief that, even in the face of detours, we can chart a course toward greatness. Yakubu Gowon University is not just training students; it’s forging leaders who will carry the torch of our national pride. This is a story of renewal, of faith in our youth, and of a nation that refuses to settle for less than it deserves.