Abiodun Olorunshola Mary has detailed her Journey to becoming the first female Student Union Government President of FUOYE. Gives an account of how rejections turned to triumph.
Abiodun Olorunshola Mary, hailing from Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State, has made history as the first female President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE). Her remarkable journey, filled with perseverance and dedication, marks a significant milestone for both the university and the region.
Born in Abuja and raised in Kwara State, Abiodun completed her early education at Rhema Chapel Basic Nursery and Primary School and later at Federal Government College, Ilorin, graduating in 2019. That same year, she gained admission into FUOYE, where her passion for leadership truly began to flourish.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH, Abiodun shared her inspiring story and future aspirations. Her involvement in student politics began in her first year at FUOYE, where she participated in various social events, including the Mr. and Mrs. Fresher contest, securing the runner-up position. By her second year, she had already become the Assistant General Secretary of her faculty and later served as the Acting President. In her third year, she took on the role of Vice President of her faculty, and in her fourth year, she served as the Special Advisor to the SUG Vice President on Academic Affairs and the Vice President of the FUOYE Chapter of the National Female Student Association of Nigeria.
Reflecting on her journey, Abiodun expressed pride and gratitude. “It’s emotional for me, but it’s exciting, and I’m grateful for this,” she said.
Her campaign was fueled by a desire to showcase the potential of female leaders and inspire others to pursue their ambitions regardless of gender. “What prompted me was the desire to see females lead. I’m not a feminist, but I am concerned about the perception of females as weaker vessels,” she explained.
Abiodun’s path to the SUG presidency was not without challenges. She faced gender bias and political rejection, with many students showing disinterest in her campaign simply because she is female.
Additionally, the dual-campus system of FUOYE presented logistical challenges, requiring significant travel and accommodation costs. Despite these obstacles, Abiodun’s determination and strategic campaigning led to her historic win.
As the SUG President, Abiodun plans to mentor both female and male students, fostering leadership in various fields beyond politics. She aims to initiate a mentorship program involving influential speakers from diverse industries to inspire and guide students. “Many students have innovative business ideas, and during our conferences, we will discuss how they can be realized,” she noted.
Abiodun’s primary objectives include addressing transportation and internet connectivity issues at FUOYE. She aims to improve the poorly organized transportation system and enhance internet services, which currently hinder students’ academic and daily activities.
Additionally, she plans to foster unity through sports and entertainment and advocate for better medical and mental health facilities for students.
Her leadership vision extends to collaborating with state and federal governments to address infrastructure and welfare issues. She plans to bring serious student concerns to the attention of relevant authorities and work towards tangible solutions. “We need infrastructure that can help foster unity. For example, having a bus service readily available would enable students to commute easily between campuses,” she emphasized.
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