“I’m Into ‘Politics’ To Develop My Capacity And Society” — NUESA UI Academics And Welfare Director, Hamzat Sheriff

Hon. Hamzat Sheriff

The incumbent academics and welfare director of NUESA UI, has said that he has no plans of venturing into politics as a child, but the fact that he sees politics as an avenue to develop his capacity and society propelled him into politics.

Mr Hamzat stated this while granting an interview to our correspondent in the University of Ibadan.

Below are their conservations:

Polity Reporters: Can we meet you sir?

Mr Hamzat: Good evening. My name is Hamzat Sheriff Olatunji, a student of university of Ibadan

Polity Reporters: Thank you sir.

Going by your track records, you have secured your place amongst critical student-politicians in the faculty of education. However, you want to tell us the propelling force of your decision to join student politics?

Mr Hamzat: Oh well, honestly, it’s a surprising decision to me because, as a child, I never thought I would do anything related to politics at all, but as providence would have it, I realised that being into politics whether on campus or otherwise offers you the avenue to develop your capacity and the society you represent. And that has been my personal motivation from time immemorial.

Polity Reporters: So, how have you been able to bring this to bear in the society?

Mr Hamzat: Well, we thank God so far, I have been working on different programmes and platforms in that regard and I can tell you categorically that it has resulted in encouraging results.

Polity Reporters: Good. You want to tell us how you started the political career as a student sir?

Mr Hamzat: My political career as a student started almost immediately I resumed…I started by joining the DCC (departmental consultative council ) guidance and counseling, in which I served as the secretary for the council

In addition to that, I proceeded to the faculty legislative council FLC, faculty of education where I served as an honourable member and also as a committee member.

Concurrently, I served as the chairman of the committee that developed a new constitution for the department of guidance and counseling

But as it stands, I’m currently representing my hall of residence at the UI Students’ Union SRC (student Representative Council) as an honourable member of the house.

In the same vein, I’m currently bossing the office of the academic and welfare director of the faculty of education.

Polity Reporters: Interesting.

With regards to the many political offices you’ve held and currently holding, how have you been able to balance the two sides — academics and politics?

Mr Hamzat: Well, to be honest, it has not been an easy task at all, but I believe God has given everyone the ability to grind more than they can imagine so I just keep grinding (smiles)

Polity Reporters: Alright sir.

As a leader, you must have someone you are looking up to. Hence, do you have someone who has had a big impact on you as a leader?

Mr Hamzat: Oh definitely. A whole lot of people. However, I don’t know how many names I am allowed to mention because I have a long list (smiles)

Polity Reporters: hmmm…but in the political lexicon of Nigeria, do you have any?

Mr Hamzat: I would say Babatunde Raji Fashola

Polity Reporters: Good. Moving on, can you briefly give us your scorecard as the Academic and Welfare Director of NUESA UI. Where does things stand?

Mr Hamzat: Well, at the moment, it’s been a bit positive. It started with alot of challenges but moving forward almost all campaign promises have been fulfilled, other programme are also pending to ensure educators enjoy the essence of the office I hold.

Polity Reporters: Remind us of any two campaign promises that have reached fruition.

Mr Hamzat: Oh well, I promised to get a working E-library platform for educators and a mentorship programme. It will interest you to know that both are available at the moment.

Polity Reporters: Good to hear. Your parting shot as we draw the curtains on the discourse.

Mr Hamzat: I would like to start by appreciating educators for the trust they reposed in me, if not, they wouldn’t have entrusted the office in my capacity at the polls. Thanks for the opportunity to serve and I promise not not relent in the mandate shouldered on me even as I continue to effect so many laudable feats.

Polity Reporters: Thanks for your time sir.

Mr Hamzat: Thanks for having me.

Polity Reporters: My Pleasure.