A University of Ibadan student who served as president of a campus fellowship has opened up about her experience in the role and the lessons she picked up along the way.
The student, whose name was not disclosed in the available information, took on the leadership position and got firsthand insight into what it takes to run a student organisation on campus. She shared details about her time leading the fellowship and what the role taught her about herself and others.
Leadership on campus comes with its own set of challenges that differ from what most students face in the classroom. Managing members, organising events, handling finances, and keeping people motivated all demand skills that textbooks do not teach. The fellowship president discovered firsthand how to navigate these demands while balancing her academic work.
She revealed that one major discovery during her tenure was the importance of listening to the voices of her members. What she thought would work in theory often needed adjustment based on feedback from people on the ground. Building trust with the people she led became crucial to the fellowship's success.
The student also learned about the weight of responsibility that comes with holding people's attention and time. Members sacrificed their schedules to attend events and participate in activities. That realisation pushed her to ensure that every meeting and programme they organised had real value and purpose.
Her experience reflects a broader truth about student leadership at Nigerian universities. Many young people take on these roles expecting smooth sailing, only to discover that real leadership means making difficult decisions, managing conflict, and staying committed even when enthusiasm wanes. The UI student's willingness to share what she learned could inspire other students considering similar positions.
The fellowship she led continues to function, and her successor will likely face similar discoveries about what the role demands and what it offers in return.
