A Move Against Article Eleven:The Misguided Pursuit of Personal Gain Over Collective Growth.

I am compelled to address a troubling trend within our Student Union Government (SUG): the tendency of some student leaders to prioritize personal brand-building over the collective growth of the union. This practice undermines the essence of our union and contradicts the principles outlined in our SUG constitution, particularly Article Eleven, which mandates a unified social media account as a collective asset of the union.

The allure of personal recognition and the temptation to leverage the union’s platform for individual gain often drive student leaders to create separate social media accounts for their offices. This is a misguided approach rooted in a misunderstanding of leadership. Instead of channeling their efforts toward strengthening the union’s collective identity, some leaders exploit their positions to build personal brands, seeking fleeting social media clout or future career advantages. This self-centered approach not only fragments the union’s voice but also deprives it of the opportunity to harness its collective influence for the benefit of all students.

The University of Abuja SUG constitution clearly stipulates that the union must operate a unified social media account to serve as a central platform for communication, engagement, and revenue generation. Universities like the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan have successfully implemented this model, using their unified accounts to generate internal revenue, amplify their reach, and foster a sense of unity. These accounts have become powerful tools for advocacy, engagement with the global community, and financial sustainability. In contrast, the University of Abuja’s fragmented approach—where individual offices create and cling to separate accounts—stifles these opportunities.

The term “union” signifies togetherness, collaboration, and shared purpose. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go with people.” By prioritizing individual agendas, some student leaders are betraying this principle. A union is meant to foster collective growth, amplify the student body’s voice, and create lasting impact through shared resources. When leaders create separate social media accounts, they weaken the union’s cohesion, dilute its brand, and abandon the potential for collective achievements, such as revenue generation through partnerships or sponsorships.

The University of Abuja’s SUG Instagram and Twitter accounts, which have garnered significant followings and even attracted national attention, are being neglected in favor of personal accounts. This abandonment raises critical questions: Where is the internally generated revenue (IGR) that a unified social media presence could produce? Why are we allowing these valuable platforms to languish while individual leaders chase personal glory under the guise of union representation?

Absolutely not. The union stands for unity, service, and the advancement of every student’s welfare—not the enrichment of a few at the expense of the collective. Article Eleven of the SUG constitution is explicit: the union’s social media account is a shared asset, not a tool for personal aggrandizement. Leaders who ignore this provision either lack an understanding of the constitution or willfully disregard it, both of which are unacceptable for those entrusted with leadership roles.

The actions of these leaders are not only a violation of the SUG constitution but also a step backward in an era where digital unity is a powerful tool for progress. We are not in the “old age” of fragmented communication; we live in a time where a unified online presence can elevate the union’s influence, attract partnerships, and generate resources for student welfare. The insistence on separate accounts reflects either ignorance of the constitution or a deliberate attempt to destabilize the union for personal gain.

I urge all student leaders to realign with the union’s values and adhere to the constitution. Return to using the unified SUG social media accounts as mandated. Let us revive the Instagram and Twitter platforms that have already built significant followings and national recognition. Let us channel our energies into growing the union’s brand, generating revenue for collective benefit, and amplifying the voices of all students.

Leadership is about service, not self-interest. Our SUG must rise above personal ambitions and embrace the unity that defines us. By adhering to the constitution and leveraging our collective platforms, we can build a stronger, more impactful union that serves every student and leaves a lasting legacy. Let us go far together, not fast alone.