National Telescope national telescope newspaper
300-level Sociology student at Benue State University, Agundo Evelyn Msendoo, an indigene of Gwer East Local Government Area in Benue State, talks to Olumide Olusegun about her election as Vice President of the university’s Student Union Government, and shares insights on her journey and other related matters.
Tell us about your experience since you joined student politics.
I started by consulting people about what was involved. People told me it wasn’t an easy race, especially when going for such a top position in the student union. So, I had that mindset even before I got into the university. When I got into the university, I discovered it was tougher than I expected. It was tasking and stressful. But so far, it has been a beautiful experience. I got to learn more things and meet new people.
How much did you spend contesting for the election activities?
I haven’t really sat down to calculate how much I spent, but I think I spent close to N100,000 on transportation, airtime, giveaways, and other activities.
How many male opponents did you have, and how was it like contesting against them, especially as a female?
I had two male opponents. I loved the experience, and I think I liked contesting against the males. I had this little advantage and edge of being a lady. Although at a point, some people were asking me to step down. They saw me as a threat because I was a lady.
Are you saying you received threats to step down for the male opposition?
Yes. I think on the day of the manifesto presentation, I got several calls. I don’t know if they were students or not, but they introduced themselves as graduates of the university and told me I should step down. One of them even told me who I should step down for. I wasn’t interested in what they were saying because I had already made up my mind to contest in the election.
Now that you have emerged as vice president, what should the students expect?
One thing I want the students, especially the females, to expect is an administration of positive impact. I want to leave a positive impact. I want to see a situation where the spirit of apartheid and discrimination in terms of females’ involvement in student unionism will be completely eliminated. I want to see more students getting involved in student union activities.
It has been said that you cannot be a student union leader without joining a cult group. Which cult group do you belong to?
I don’t belong to any cult group.
With the student leadership experience that you have, do you see yourself joining secular politics after school?
Yes. In fact, that was one of the reasons I decided to join student union politics. I see myself going very far in secular politics. Although I have not decided which position to go for, I think I would like to start from my ward and local government.
Take us through your preparation for the election and the role of your parents in the election process.
I would say that my mom was the best support system I had. Anytime I had an issue with going for consultations, people stressing me out, making things difficult for me, or all the lies I had to encounter, I would run to her. She would encourage me, saying, “Don’t worry, my daughter. Just look unto God. I will pray for you.” Even sometimes while in school, I would reach out to her, and she was always there to help me out with prayers and counsel.
What is your advice to females who would want to also be in student leadership positions like you in the future?
One thing I always tell people is, whatever you want to do, just know what you want and go for it. Once you know what you want and are determined, nothing can stop you. Don’t get distracted, because there will be many things trying to distract you.
How sure are you that your academics will not suffer now that you are engaged as the students VP?
Certainly, it will not suffer because there is time for everything. I will create time for whatever I want to do. I have schedules for my activities, and I will work with them.
