School or campus is not only about attending lectures, writing exams, and graduating with good grades. There are many other activities on campus that help students grow, build confidence, and gain leadership experience. One of the most common of these activities is student politics.
If you have ever heard people talking about SUG elections, departmental excos, student senate, parliament, or class representatives and you are confused about how everything works, this article will explain it in a simple way. Whether you are a fresher or a returning student, understanding school politics can help you know how student leadership works and how you can also get involved if you are interested.
What is School or Campus Politics?
School or Campus politics simply refers to leadership activities and elections organized by students within the school environment. These student leaders are usually elected to represent the interests of students in different areas.
In many Nigerian universities, student politics starts from the class level and can go as high as the Students’ Union Government, popularly known as SUG.
The main purpose of these positions is to help students voice their concerns, organize activities, and communicate with the school management when necessary.
What is SUG in Nigerian Universities?
SUG means Students’ Union Government. This is the highest student leadership body in most universities and polytechnics in Nigeria.
The SUG is made up of elected students who represent the general student population. Some common positions in SUG include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary General
- Financial Secretary
- Treasurer
- Director of Socials
- Director of Welfare
- Public Relations Officer
These leaders are expected to protect students’ interests and also organize programs, events, and welfare activities for students.
In some schools, SUG leaders also meet with the school management to discuss issues affecting students.
What Does “Excos” Mean in School Or Campus Politics?
In school or Campus politics, “Excos” simply means Executives. These are the student leaders elected to manage the affairs of a department, faculty, association, or student union.
Departmental excos help organize activities, pass important information to students, represent students during meetings, and serve as a link between students and the school authorities.
Some common excos positions include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Financial Secretary
- PRO
- Welfare Director
- Director of Socials
For many students, joining excos is one of the easiest ways to gain leadership experience and become active in campus activities.
Who are Departmental Excos?
Departmental excos are student leaders elected within a particular department.
For example, students in the Department of Mass Communication can elect their own departmental president and other executives. These leaders focus mainly on issues affecting students in their department.
Their duties may include:
- Organizing departmental meetings
- Helping students with academic information
- Coordinating departmental events
- Communicating important updates
- Assisting fresh students with guidance
Departmental politics is usually less intense compared to SUG politics, which makes it easier for many students to start from there.
What is the Student Senate or Student Parliament?
Apart from the executive positions in SUG, many universities also have a legislative arm often called the Student Senate, Student Parliament, or Student Representative Council (SRC).
This body works similarly to the Senate or House of Representatives in government. Their duty is mainly to make rules, review policies, represent students from different faculties or departments, and monitor the activities of the SUG executives.
In many universities, senators are elected from faculties, departments, or hostels to represent students. These student senators discuss important issues affecting students and may also approve decisions related to student welfare, student activities, and budgeting.
Some common positions in the student legislative arm include:
- Senate President
- Deputy Senate President
- Chief Whip
- Clerk of the Senate
- Parliamentarians or Senators
Many students do not know much about this aspect of school politics, but it is one of the most important student leadership bodies in some institutions because major student decisions often pass through them.
Participating in the student senate or parliament can also help students improve leadership, debating, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
What Does a Class Representative Do?
A class representative, often called class rep, is one of the closest student leaders to the students.
Class reps act as a bridge between lecturers and students. They help pass information concerning lectures, assignments, tests, and examinations.
Some responsibilities of a class rep include:
- Sharing academic information with classmates
- Coordinating class activities
- Representing students during discussions with lecturers
- Helping maintain order in class
- Submitting complaints or suggestions from students
Being a class rep may look small to some people, but it is actually one of the best ways to develop leadership skills in school.
How to Get Involved in School or Campus Politics in your institution
A lot of students usually think student politics is only for outspoken people, but that is not true. Anyone with good character, confidence, and the willingness to serve can participate.
Here are some simple ways to get involved:
1. Start from Your Class
The easiest way to begin is by becoming active in your class. Attend meetings, contribute to discussions, and help your classmates when necessary.
Many student leaders today started as ordinary class reps.
2. Build Good Relationships
In school politics, people support those they know and trust. Try to maintain good relationships with students in your class, department, faculty, and hostel.
Being respectful and helpful can make people believe in your leadership ability.
3. Join Student Associations
Most departments and faculties have student associations. Becoming active in these associations can help you understand how leadership works on campus.
You will also meet students from different levels who may guide you.
4. Learn Public Speaking
One important skill that helps in student politics is communication. You do not need to speak perfect English, but you should be able to express yourself confidently.
Try participating in discussions, presentations, or student gatherings whenever you have the chance.
5. Be Ready to Serve
Many students fail in politics because they focus only on popularity instead of service.
Students usually support leaders who genuinely care about their welfare. If people see that you are always willing to help, your chances of getting support become higher.
Important Things to Know Before Contesting for Any Position
Before you decide to contest for any student leadership position, there are some things you should keep in mind.
First, leadership requires time and responsibility. You must learn how to balance academics and leadership activities together.
Secondly, not everybody will support you, and that is normal. In school politics, different students have different opinions.
Lastly, avoid unnecessary conflicts or unhealthy rivalry. Politics should not turn into personal hatred. Even after elections, remember that everybody is still a student with the same goal of graduating successfully.
Benefits of Participating in School Politics
One important thing many students do not realize is that student leadership can help build your future beyond school.
Many employers and organizations value leadership experience because it shows confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and responsibility.
Interestingly, several well-known Nigerian politicians and public figures started their leadership journey from campus politics. Participating in student leadership can also help you build connections, improve your confidence, and learn how to solve problems under pressure.
Apart from leadership experience, school politics can also help you:
- Improve your communication skills
- Build strong connections and friendships
- Gain confidence
- Learn teamwork and problem-solving
- Develop organizational skills
- Become more responsible
Even if you do not become a top SUG official, the experience you gain can still help you in life after graduation.
Benefits/Advantages of Joining School or Campus Politics
- Helps you develop leadership skills
- Improves public speaking and communication
- Builds confidence and boldness
- Helps you make connections and meet more students
- Gives you experience in teamwork and problem-solving
- Makes you more responsible and organized
- Helps you understand how leadership and governance work
- Can improve your CV after graduation
- Gives you the opportunity to help students and make changes
- Helps you gain popularity and recognition on campus
- Teaches negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Can open doors to future political or leadership opportunities
Why You Should Consider Participating in School Politics
- To represent the interests of students
- To gain leadership experience early
- To improve your social and communication skills
- To contribute positively to your department or school
- To build self-confidence
- To create useful connections and friendships
- To learn how elections and governance work
- To prepare for future leadership positions in society
Disadvantages of School or Campus Politics
Here are the Disadvantages you may encounter while involving fully in School or campus politics:
- Can affect your academics if not balanced properly
- Some students may criticize or oppose you
- Leadership positions can be stressful
- Campus politics may create unnecessary rivalry or conflicts
- Managing students’ complaints and expectations can be difficult
- Campaigning may require time and money
- Some student leaders face pressure from different groups
- It can consume a lot of your personal time
- Misunderstandings may affect friendships sometimes
- Some students may focus more on popularity than academics
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Conclusion
School politics is an important part of campus life. Whether you decide to become a class rep, departmental excos member, student senator, parliamentarian, or SUG official, leadership experience can shape your confidence and personal growth.
However, always remember that academics should still remain your priority. Leadership is good, but balancing it with your studies is very important.
If you are interested in getting involved, start small, stay active, build relationships, and focus on serving students genuinely. You may be surprised at how far you can go.
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