AN association, anywhere in the world is formed to
nurture, project and protect the interest of its members. Through not all
associations could answer the name, that is when issues bordering on the
well being of the society as a whole are raised. And some interests of
particular associations are quite inimical to the growth and development of
given societies. In other words and in a more clearer terms some
ill-intentioned individuals operate under the guise of associations to
protect their self-centred interest. It is therefore the cliquish nature of
some associations that make many people feel disenchanted and totally ban
themselves from taking any sort of active role in those associations.
The National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS)
is perceived to be one of the associations that care much about the wishes
and aspirations of their members and the societal development in general.
Being an umbrella association of all Kano state indigenes that are spread
across the country in the pursuit of knowledge at the higher institution
level, NAKSS supposed to be a well structured and focused association. The
quality leadership style is very paramount here. So an association can
easily be derailed if it lacks good and proper leadership. NAKSS is more an
intellectual forum than a mere coming together of students bodies, for
social satisfaction. It is beyond that.
Before the coming of the present leadership of the
association, under the able and vibrant leadership of Malam Sadiq M. Sa'ad,
the association tasted all sorts of trangulations in the hands of some of
the past regimes. But that did not stop the association to record some
achievements. Many things were achieved in the past. And it all depends on
the way one perceives it. The focus of this piece is not to come and start
analyzing those perceptions. The paper is intended to look into the
ingredients that make up the present leadership. It will also look at the
nitty-gritty areas that help Malam Sadiq enjoy the goodwill of his members.
It is so surprising the way the present national chairman
is using to get the full cooperation of his members. It simply tells you how
versatile, courageous, committed and vibrant the young and charming Sadiq
is.
I am happy that Sadiq understands what leadership is all
about. In his manifesto he presented to the electorates, before his
election, Mr. President acquainted all the members with the leadership style
he wants to provide. Hear him," A consultative leadership dedicated to good
governance. A leadership that is prudent, transparent, accountable and
God-fearing, with a resolve to build a united association based on our
shared institutional and academic vision and objectives."
Sadiq further noted and intellectually displays that "the
key success factor required for organizational unity and progress is the
assurance of equal opportunity to all members from various institutions of
learning, for open and full participation in governing the designed
development goals. Despite all the present complaints and difficulties, a
strong and united association is the best and most preferred option for all
responsible students across the country".
And for you to comfortably understand that the Kano
students association has all hopes Sadiq in his vision statement highlighted
that, it is his intention.
-to ensure a self-sustained NAKSS with a solid financial
base.
-To make NAKSS a potent and vibrant association by
transforming it from what karl marx might call "a union of itself to union
in itself".
-ensuring adequate welfarism for all the members across
the country.
-taking good care of the issues of scholarship (allowee),
transportation and hostel accommodation,
-Making sure that JAMB and other forms are made available
to the well deserving students in our secondary schools.
-Ensuring a strong and well structured NAKSS branches in
almost all the higher institutions of learning across the federation.
-Ensuring general educational development by working
hand-in-hand with the government, donor agencies and the related
organizations, and,
-to encourage and promote sporting activities and
competitions between institutions, so as to strengthen the existing unity
between members across the country.
In his speech at the opening ceremony of Kano Week
celebration 2004, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, the president, Malam Sadiq
Sa'ad, lodged to the governor of Kano state, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau,
problems that have been affecting some of the state owned higher
institutions. In his words, Sadiq says. "Your Excellency Sir, we would also
like to register some of the persistent and perennial problems of our
student particularly those in
School of Environmental students, Gwarzo, School of
Technology, Kano state College of Education, Kumbotso, School of Hygiene,
Audu Bako college of Agriculture, Dambatta and School of Nursing, Kano.
These institutions require additional lecture halls, up
to date teaching and learning facilities and transportation. As these will
facilitate creating conducive atmosphere for learning."
If one looks at the way Malam Sadiq is pushing the
associations request to the authorities concerned, then one can conveniently
conclude that with the sensitive leadership style of the president, NAKSS
has many realizable and practicable hopes and dreams.
President Sadiq is very lucky that he is captaining the
ship at a time when the governor of the state is a principled and direction
educationist. I am so sure that Malam Shekarau will always be ready to come
to the aid of the students association. The governor knows what exactly
association means in the promotion and protection of rights, interest,
yearnings and aspirations. No stone would be left unturned when it comes to
improving the educational life of the students that hail from Kano state. I
am therefore advising the NAKSS leadership organ to always feel free in
lodging whatever meaningful and genuine complain they have to the governor.
He will listen to them. He has listening ears. Only that the students body
should lodge their complains through proper channels.
As a strategist president, I am not in doubt that Sadiq
would put NAKSS in the best and proper position. Being a medical student,
the president knows what coordination means to human body. He should
therefore think of the same process and procedure in coordinating the many
parts of his association. What touches eye touches the whole body. Therefore
whether somebody was not in your camp when your were campaigning, does not
mean anything. You should treat all your members equally.
You should also bear it in your mind that capturing power
is one thing and consolidating same is another thing entirely different. You
just need all the parts. You either believe it or not one day you will leave
that office. The office will definitely outlive you. You should therefore
take good care in discharging your responsibilities.
My hope has always been that Malam Shekarau will let
NAKSS understand that the state is now under a leadership that cares about
the development of education. Please Malam let them appreciate the plain
fact that you are still an educationist.
They can only appreciate that when you are extending as
assisting hand to them. I am also interested in seeing that Malam Shekarau
gives this association a helping hand for them to be copied by similar
associations across the country. Malam should please inculcate into them the
spirit of transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, I salute the courage, foresight, commitment, and selfless
service of the president of NAKSS Malam Sadiq M. Sa'ad. And I said this
without fear of mincing words. Only that I know man is naturally dynamic.
But I have confidence in president Sadiq NAKSS has all hopes, now and in the
future.
