Bakare Adeola Zainab, a 19-year-old 300-level Philosophy student at Lagos State University (LASU), is currently the Vice President of her department and is now running for the position of President. In a recent interview with Daily Trust, Zainab shared her motivations, priorities, and plans for the department if elected. Here are the key takeaways from the interview:
Zainab’s primary motivation for running for President is her belief in selfless leadership. She views the role of a president as a means to serve rather than pursue personal interests. Zainab emphasized her desire to give back to society, which she feels has significantly contributed to her growth.
If elected, Zainab’s top priority is academic excellence. She wants to ensure that the department remains focused on its primary educational mission while also addressing career readiness. This includes organizing career workshops and providing innovative grants. She noted that the last academic symposium she hosted as Vice President was highly successful and believes she can build on that success.
Zainab identified financial difficulties as a significant challenge for students. She has already helped raise funds for students’ school fees and plans to continue this effort by introducing innovative fundraising ideas. Additionally, she intends to organize tutorials and provide necessary study materials to support students’ academic performance.
Zainab does not claim to be the most qualified but believes she is the best fit for the role. She has participated in leadership programs that have enhanced her skills and is currently managing the Cheebrace platform, a space for people from various fields to express themselves. Zainab also holds certifications in broadcasting and fact-checking and serves as the Youth President at her church, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
As the only female candidate, Zainab acknowledges the potential challenges but is confident that her work will speak for itself. She has already received positive feedback from lecturers about her performance as Vice President. Zainab plans to leverage her past achievements, such as successfully organizing a large symposium despite funding challenges, to demonstrate her capability.
Zainab aims to integrate academic and career preparation by hosting workshops that address both immediate academic needs and future career opportunities. She highlighted her past success in raising over a million naira for a symposium through sponsorship letters and outreach to various stakeholders as evidence of her resourcefulness.
To manage her academic and departmental responsibilities, Zainab relies on meticulous time management. She uses a planning book to organize her daily activities, ensuring she remains effective and efficient.
Zainab is confident that her competence, leadership skills, and proven track record set her apart from other candidates. She urges her peers to vote for her based on her ability to deliver results and her commitment to enhancing the department’s educational experience.
