A Rare Breed of Student Leader: The Courage of Comr. Jamiu Tobi

As an alumni who has spent 4 years following Uniabuja’s political and civic landscape, I often try to resist the urge to pen down every passing story. Yet, my conscience will not let me withhold this one.

Yesterday, history was quietly written in the University of Abuja community, and at the center of it was a young man of rare integrity — His Excellency Comr. Jamiu Tobi.

Against the odds, Comr. Jamiu played a dogged and decisive role in ensuring that students conducted a peaceful demonstration against unlawful encroachment on the students’ recreational lands which was later turned into an unfair war, with Barr Bucknor and his thugs, heavily armed. At a time when many would have compromised, he stood his ground. He resisted the tempting offers — a bribe of ₦500,000, two shops from the proposed building, and three plots of land in a community. Such enticements would have swayed weaker men, but Jamiu’s commitment to justice and to the students he represents proved stronger.

In that moment, he perched his name not just in student history, but in the larger narrative of principled leadership Nigeria desperately needs.

But leadership is never a one-man show. I must also acknowledge the true students and executives who stood firm. The FCT NANS JCC Chairman, Comr. ThankGod Awele (TK), deserves national recognition for his consistency in student advocacy. Equally remarkable was the swift and passionate response of the SUG Senate President, the Erudite of LAWSAN, whose voice resonated with the cries of the students.

To every student and alumnus who rose to defend what rightfully belongs to the student community — you have written your names in gold.

This is a reminder that integrity still exists in leadership, even at the grassroots level. And if men like Comr. Jamiu Tobi can resist the allure of quick gains, then perhaps the future of our nation still holds promise.