Faith Olaniran spoke with Oluwaseun Amure, President, Nigeria Association of Science Students,  Federal University of Technology, Minna. He is a 400 Level student of Physics.

How did you emerge the president of the science students body of the school?
Firstly, all glory is to God. Secondly, this is a long time dream, so I was courageous and determined, despite all forces that stood against me during the election proper and the rerun.

How would you describe the election that ushered you in?
The election was beyond my imagination. As testified by other students and from what I experienced, it was the first of its kinds.

The students actually knew who would serve them better.

Why is it that very little is heard about the “nass”?
The truth is that, you can’t lead further than you have gone yourself.  Leadership matters a lot; but this time, believe me, the change has come.

How do you intend to combine unionism with academic activities?
The two can go along and excellence is achievable when people are carried along. That is why we have the departmental presidents as the advisory committee and the class representatives as the academic committee.

Who is your role model?
In Politics, Chief Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always been my role model, though we have not met for once, but he will always be.

What are your challenges?
There are lots of them, but I don’t see them. The only thing I can see so far is progress, because challenges are there to make us progress.

In this capacity, what are the things you intend to do for the science students?
There are bundles of talents in this school; the first thing to do is to expose these students, their works and discoveries to our nation through exhibitions.

How do you want to manage or get the support of the faculty dean?
 Not all things come through confrontation. We are ready to consult and I believe that he, as a father to us, will support. Consultation is the answer and we have started it.

This is your first month in office, what challenges hit you as you got in?
Lack of fund to start was the major challenge.

You have barely seven months to stay in office, what lasting impression would you want to leave on the minds of students?
To write my name and my executive's names in gold through our performance and enduring projects.

What is your message to students?
My message to the NASSITES is to still solicit for more of their support in order for us to achieve our promises and deliver to them. Secondly, despite the fact that we are known as “efikos,” we should keep the struggle and unionism going.